Opportunities and Challenges of China’s Economic and Political Development under the Third Term of Xi Leadership: A Viewpoint of Indonesia

Abstract

This article examines China’s recent economic and political progress under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, focusing on the opportunities and problems faced. It also explores the concept of the "China dream" and its impact from the perspective of Indonesia. This research is an analysis of the perceptions of Indonesia’s elite and the general public on Chinese political influence and economic cooperation. Multiple discussions will be examined. Firstly, it outlines the characteristics of China’s global development plan, which encompasses the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Global Development Initiatives. What is the impact of Chinese development policies on the ASEAN Outlook of Indo-Pacific (AOIP) suggested by Indonesia? Furthermore, Indonesia, as the longstanding dominant force in Southeast Asia, plays a pivotal role in upholding regional stability and the important position of ASEAN in relation to China. This research examines the historical and contemporary strategic cooperation and growth between Indonesia and China, as well as the chances and difficulties that China’s third term under Xi Jinping presents for Indonesia’s development. Additionally, this analysis will examine the fundamental strategic decision that Indonesia must make in response to China’s influence through the Belt and Road Initiative. Indonesia will strategically hedge its position toward China’s rising power while leveraging China’s ongoing soft power to preserve its prominent role in ASEAN.