China welcomes Indonesian President Prabowo to attend V-Day commemoration

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has been welcomed to China for events marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

Prabowo arrived in Beijing early Wednesday morning, in time for the V-Day ceremony, having left Jakarta Tuesday evening.

Prabowo's decision to join the commemoration was the result of an invitation from the Chinese government, according to Indonesian Minister of State Prasetyo Hadi, after Indonesian cities began returning to normal following days of protests.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said there is a sense of relief among people in the Indonesian captain about the return to normality.

Government officials and workers are currently repairing damage to facilities caused by days of protests and riots, which mainly lasted from last Thursday until Sunday. A security presence remains visible on the streets.

On Monday, after receiving notification of Prabowo's cancellation of his Beijing trip from Indonesia, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China respected the Indonesian government's decision and welcomed Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono to China for the SCO Tianjin Summit and this week's V-Day events.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.