Indonesia can build on its COVID-19 cooperation with China to forge stronger, mutually beneficial relations Indonesia was the first country in Southeast Asia to officially establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China. Last year marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The bond between the two countries has been shaped by the political and economic dynamics of both sides and also their foreign policies in the Southeast Asian region. The dynamics of the relationship have become an important part of the development of both countries. As a new anchor for stability at the regional level, bilateral relations between Indonesia and China are expected to play a broader and deeper strategic role. The improvement of their economic relations is highlighted by the trade between the two countries, which has improved significantly in line with the increase in the amount of various commodities and manufactured products imported and exported by both sides. Indonesia's trade with China in 2020 was worth $78.4 billion.