Li Peng's visit

Li Peng's visit

Not only is the ongoing visit of People's Republic of China (PRC) parliamentary speaker Li Peng to Indonesia important in terms of bilateral relations, it is also interesting to observe from the perspective of China's own problems.

Li Peng visited Indonesia less than one month after Taiwanese Vice President Annette Lu. As host, Indonesia welcomed Lu and Li Peng openly. Indonesia has also reiterated its support for the one-China policy.

The presence of Li Peng for five days since Sept. 8 in Indonesia has been a display of diplomacy taken by PRC after canceling its plan to buy liquefied natural gas from Indonesia. Taiwan seems to have taken advantage of the canceled purchase of natural gas. Taiwan indicated that it was ready to buy LNG from Indonesia, showing that the former's position is in contrast with China's.

In terms of diplomatic measures taken by Indonesia, the foreign visits by Indonesian leaders are questionable. The overseas trips made by both former president Abdurrahman Wahid and incumbent President Megawati are considered unsatisfactory as the country continues to suffer from myriad problems.

-- Kompas