China 'understands' Indonesian president's decision to stay at home

China understands and respects the readjustment to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's planned trip to China, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday. Guo added that the Chinese side believes that, under Prabowo's leadership, the Indonesian government will handle the domestic situation properly, and restore stability as soon as possible.

Guo's remarks came after Prabowo canceled his planned China trip as protests in the Southeast Asian country led to casualties.

China welcomes Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono as Prabowo's representative at both the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin and 80th anniversary commemorations of Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Guo said.

China also hopes Indonesia will take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Indonesia, Guo told a regular news briefing.