What is it about?
In the spring of 1950, Indonesia established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. This article examines the reasons why the newly independent Indonesian republic recognized Communist China, and what role the Netherlands played in pushing Indonesia–PRC ties forward during the early Cold War.
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Why is it important?
Scholars have previously argued that the Dutch, as former colonial masters in Indonesia, had obstructed the establishment of official relations between Indonesia and the PRC. My research, based on extensive historical records, shows that the opposite was in fact true. By explaining why, the paper provides new insights into the complex legacies of the Cold War in Asia.
Perspectives
Seventy years ago, the Netherlands and Indonesia were among the first (nonsocialist) states to recognize the People’s Republic of China. Today, relations with China have come under the spotlight more than ever. For all the hope, hype and fear surrounding the China debate, the actual historical trajectories of mutual dealings remains poorly understood. In contemplating possible futures, we need to understand how we got where we are in the first place.
Dr Vincent Chang
Leiden University LeidenAsiaCentre
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Revolution and Recognition in Post-War Asia: Restoring Missing Links in the Establishment of Indonesia–People’s Republic of China Relations, 1949–1950, Journal of Contemporary Asia, July 2020, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/00472336.2020.1789199.
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