China does not pose a threat to Indonesia, instead, the two countries share a long-standing and robust relationship, said Kristomei Sianturi, the spokesman of the Indonesian Defense Force, during the 2025 Shangri-La Dialog in Singapore.
The Dialog, Asia's premier defense and security summit, took place from Friday to Sunday amid geopolitical tensions.
"China is not a threat for Indonesia. We also have a good relationship with China. Indonesia and China have built a relationship since ages. Many Chinese are in Indonesia, and also many Indonesians are in China. We already have the good relationship since ages," said Sianturi in an interview with China Global Television Network on the sidelines of the event.
The event drew representatives from 47 countries this year, including 40 ministerial-level delegates, 20 chief of defense forces-level delegates, over 20 senior defense officials, and prominent academics, according to the Singapore Ministry of Defense.
A Chinese delegation from the National Defense University of the Chinese People's Liberation Army also attended the event.
Indonesian defense spokesman: China is not a threat
Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.
The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.
"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.
"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.
Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela
