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Cooperation between Chinese and Indonesian research institutions is becoming an important factor in helping Beijing’s “soft power” image.
It’s worth emphasizing that Indonesians’ distrust of China is on the rise due to China’s tough stance in the South China Sea, the treatment of Uyghurs in China’s western Xinjiang region, and their expanding activities there.
Through the China-ASEAN Think Tank Network (NACT), which has 10 Southeast Asian think tank members, China mainly interacts with Indonesian think tanks. The concept of NACT was first proposed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in 2013 to promote the China-ASEAN strategic partnership.
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NACT holds regular meetings and seminars with think tanks of ASEAN member states to discuss the current status of Chinese-funded projects and propose potential areas for future cooperation.
The think tank has received funding from the Chinese government for employee engagement, courses and seminars, according to the researchers. They argue that China aims to expand its education, media and Islamic diplomacy in Indonesia by sponsoring and coordinating the activities of Indonesian think tanks.
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In addition to the Center for ASEAN Studies (CSIS), Indonesian think tanks also include the Habibie Center, the China Studies Center, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
China has also hosted various Chinese events in cooperation with the Indonesian Foreign Policy Community (FPIC) and the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta.
In Beijing’s view, however, these think tanks can be seen as important platforms for influencing Indonesian views and narratives.
(input from institution)
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