Development synergies of China and ASEAN boosted

Premier Li Keqiang's ongoing visit to Indonesia is his first international trip after China's new Cabinet took office in March. It will help cement the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Indonesia. It will also contribute to the healthy development of China's ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

An important emerging economy and the largest among the ASEAN members, Indonesia has always held a special niche in China's peripheral diplomacy. As Li pointed out in an article published in The Jakarta Post on Saturday, there is strong synergy between the two countries' respective development initiatives. With China's 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and Indonesia's goal of being a global maritime fulcrum dovetailing nicely.

The efforts of the two countries to align their development strategies will no doubt increase mutual trust. This in turn will have a positive impact on China's relationship with ASEAN. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership. The two sides are now drawing a blueprint for their common development and a shared future.