China imports first batch of fresh coconuts from Indonesia

The first batch of 200-kilogram fresh coconuts imported from Indonesia arrived in Fuzhou, the capital city of east China's Fujian Province, on Saturday.

The arrival of the imported coconuts is the latest highlight of the deepening economic and trade cooperation between China and Indonesia this year, which marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In November 2024, the General Administration of Customs announced that it would allow imports of fresh coconuts from Indonesia that meet relevant requirements.

"This batch of coconuts comes from Sumatra Island in Indonesia, where the volcanic soil and rainforest ecosystem produce sweet, abundant coconut water ideal for direct consumption. The coconuts will be released to the market promptly after passing inspection," said Lin Zhengrong, business manager of a food company covering coconut processing in Fujian.

In recent years, China's coconut imports have shown an upward trend, and its import markets are becoming increasingly diversified, now including Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. China's huge market demand provides broad export space for coconuts from Indonesia, which is one of the world's largest coconut producers.

"China's vast market demand has created significant export opportunities for Indonesian coconuts, not only boosting Indonesia's coconut industry but also driving the growth of related sectors in China, including coconut processing and logistics. Currently, four production lines at the China-Indonesia Coconut Industrial Park in Fuzhou are already in operation," said Song Jing, deputy director of Rongcheng Customs Office in Fuqing.

According to customs statistics, the volume of bilateral trade between China and Indonesia exceeded 1 trillion yuan (about 138.72 billion U.S. dollars) for the first time in 2024. In January and February 2025, the volume totaled 172.57 billion yuan, up 4.7 percent year on year.

China imports first batch of fresh coconuts from Indonesia

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Wednesday that Seoul firmly adheres to the one-China principle, in comments made ahead of his upcoming state visit to China.

The remarks were made in an interview with China Media Group (CMG). The visit is scheduled for Jan 4–7.

"The consensus reached between governments of the Republic of Korea and China when diplomatic relations were established continues to be the fundamental principle governing our relations, and its effectiveness remains steadfast. I want to clearly state that the ROK has always adhered to the one-China principle. Maintaining peace and stability in regional matters, including in Northeast Asia and concerning the Taiwan issue, holds significant importance to us," said Lee.

"The foundational relationship between the ROK and China was established on a very principled and fundamental basis from the beginning. It is clear that the ROK government has always adhered to this position and has never wavered from it. I believe that the sound development of ROK-China relations depends on both sides fully respecting each other's core interests and being mutually tolerant of each other's positions. In this context, we will, as always, uphold the one-China principle as the Taiwan issue is China's most fundamental concern," he said.

ROK president reiterates firm adherence to one-China principle