"China is a country which is quite influential in the Asia-Pacific."Beijing (ANTARA News) - The Chinese government views Indonesia as a key partner in maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Vice president of the National Defence University (NDU) of China Guo Junbo made a remark to that effect while receiving Rear Admiral Moch Jurianto, the commander of the Military Staffs and Command School, here on Wednesday.
"Given the cultural similarities between the two countries, Indonesia could become a crucial partner of China, including in safeguarding the stability of the region," he said.
Guo Junbo stated the two countries could discuss various important developments in the Asia-Pacific region and expressed hope that better communication could strengthen the relations between the two nations.
He noted there were two middle-ranking officials of Indonesia studying at the National Defence University of China.
"Until now, about 16 military officers from Indonesia have studied at this university. Hopefully, there will be more officials from Indonesia wishing to study here in a bid to improve the relations between the two countries," Guo Junbo said.
Rear Admiral Moch Jurianto said the Indonesian Army sent some of its finest military officials abroad on a work-study programme every year.
"This year, the command school sent its best students to four countries: Japan, South Korea, China and Australia," he stated.
According to Moch, China was chosen because of its high economic growth, rising influence in the region, and defence capabilities.
"China is a country which is quite influential in the Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asian regions. Therefore, it is expected that the exchange of military students will contribute to the stability in the region," he said.
(T.R018/E002/INE/KR-BSR/S012)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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