The Chinese government expressed confidence that President Prabowo Subianto is capable of handling the wave of domestic demonstrations that prevented him from attending two invitations from President Xi Jinping.

These events were the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit on August 31–September 1 and the military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Anti-Fascist World War on September 3, 2025.

“We are closely monitoring the latest developments in Indonesia and believe that under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, the Indonesian government has the ability to manage domestic affairs effectively and restore stability as soon as possible,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a press conference in Beijing, as quoted by Antara on Tuesday (9/2/2025).

Prabowo had assigned Foreign Minister Sugiono to represent him during the working visit to China.

“China understands and respects the Indonesian government’s decision, taking into account its domestic needs, regarding participation in the SCO Summit in Tianjin and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Anti-Fascist World War,” Guo Jiakun added.

However, Guo Jiakun also expressed hope that the Indonesian government would safeguard Chinese assets and citizens residing in Indonesia.

“China hopes that Indonesia will take effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese institutions and personnel in the country,” he stated.

Guo Jiakun further noted that the Chinese government warmly welcomed Foreign Minister Sugiono to attend the summit and commemorative events on behalf of President Prabowo.

Foreign Minister Sugiono Meets Xi Jinping

Foreign Minister Sugiono met directly with President Xi Jinping at the SCO “Plus” Summit in Tianjin and conveyed President Prabowo’s apology.

“We expressed our gratitude and apology because President Prabowo could not attend the ‘SCO Summit Plus’ this afternoon. I have also personally conveyed this to President Xi Jinping,” Sugiono told Antara.

He added that he was representing President Prabowo at the SCO Plus Summit as invited by President Xi Jinping, who also serves as the rotating chair of SCO.

“We conveyed our appreciation for the invitation as well as the warm welcome extended by the Chinese government, particularly President Xi Jinping,” Sugiono said.

During the SCO “Plus” Summit plenary session, Sugiono highlighted that there are many shared values between SCO and the 1955 Asian-African Conference held in Bandung.

“We share a common aspiration to build a multilateral and inclusive world where everyone has equal opportunities, engages based on mutual interests, finds common ground, and avoids unnecessary competition while prioritizing collaboration,” he added.

Sugiono also mentioned that he had met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to deliver the apology as well as a letter from President Prabowo Subianto to President Xi Jinping.