How Southeast Asia showed its support for China and sent a message to the US

Prabowo had earlier decided to cancel the trip because of widespread protests at home.

But he showed up for the parade in a grey suit on the morning of September 3, taking a seat at the rostrum beside Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who was to the right of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Sources said the Indonesian leader arrived only hours before the parade started and he had to stay in a different hotel from his team because the one designated for Asean delegations was so full that not a single room was left.

Prabowo’s office said he had decided to go ahead with the trip after receiving an “urgent request” from China to attend the parade. The office also said the visit was to “maintain good relations with the Chinese government”.

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Prabowo was among a strong contingent of top leaders from Southeast Asia – a region Beijing has been courting – at the parade that showcased China’s rising military strength and growing global influence.

South China Morning Post