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Editorial
As China and Indonesia strengthen ties, Hong Kong has a role to play
The SCMP’s China Conference: Southeast Asia highlighted the synergies between the world’s second-largest and Asean’s biggest economies
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Editorials represent the views of the South China Morning Post on the issues of the day.
Global tension and uncertainty make this a pivotal moment to affirm regional engagement. A gathering in Jakarta this week did just that. The South China Morning Post’s China Conference: Southeast Asia 2026 brought together leaders, policymakers and businesses. It was the first time this flagship conference was held in Indonesia. The mission was to connect the world’s second-largest economy, China, with Southeast Asia’s biggest. Both nations are at critical junctures. China is embarking on its 15th five-year plan while Indonesia aims for developed-nation status within 20 years.
That is a bold ambition for Indonesia. It targets sustained gross domestic product growth of 8 per cent. To achieve this, Indonesia welcomes investment from both China and the United States – pragmatism that reflects confidence in charting its own path. It also recognises Hong Kong’s key role as a “superconnector” between China and the world. The city offers access to capital as well as a common law system that Indonesia could tap into so it can bolster the rule of law and business environment to attract quality investment.
An update for the conference on China’s next five-year plan by former Hong Kong chief executive Leung Chun-ying, now a vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, underlined opportunities for bilateral collaboration. China’s policy priorities – including innovation and sustainability – align with Indonesia’s development goals. A video message from Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the success of the city’s free-trade pact with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations was a testament to a shared commitment to free trade.
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