Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Subianto visited Beijing for his first international trip since winning the presidency, expressing support for closer Indonesia-China relations and continuing President Joko Widodo’s policy of friendship with China.

Prabowo’s new administration aims to bring the two nations’ development goals closer and demand greater progress in areas like trade, economy, and poverty reduction.

China called Prabowo a “old friend of the Chinese people” and expressed readiness to expand strategic cooperation.

Despite being elected in February, Prabowo won’t take office until October.

China has invested billions in Indonesia’s industrial and infrastructure projects, such as the high-speed train between Jakarta and Bandung.

Prabowo’s handling of China and the US competing for Southeast Asia influence remains unclear, but Indonesia will maintain positive relations with China and the US while remaining non-alignment.