In September, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia (left), made a state visit to China, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
AS DUSK falls, a new dawn emerges. We are approaching the finishing line of 2024.
Upon reflection, it has been a remarkable year, highlighted by the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations and the China-Malaysia Year of Friendship-milestones that honour the past while paving the way for the future.
Under the strategic leadership of both nations, the China-Malaysia community with a shared future has come to life, bringing meaningful benefits to both countries and their people.
Elevating strategies, trust
High-level exchanges have deepened, strengthening strategic mutual trust. In June, Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s successful visit to Malaysia saw the two governments issue a joint statement and reach a series of forward-thinking agreements, further elevating the China-Malaysia community with a shared future to new heights.
In September, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, the Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, made a state visit to China, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and aptly quoted the Chinese phrase “in weal and woe” to describe the enduring strength of China-Malaysia relations.
In November, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made his third visit to China since assuming office, working with President Xi to further deepen bilateral ties.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, along with several Malaysian Cabinet ministers, have also visited China.
To reciprocate Malaysia’s enthusiasm, delegations from various Chinese regions and agencies have visited Malaysia in large numbers.
Through this strong mutual trust and deep friendship, both nations have built a solid foundation for the China-Malaysia community with a shared future.
In November, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (left) made his third visit to China since assuming office, working with President Xi Jinping to further deepen bilateral ties.
Investing in growth
Economic and trade cooperation has been strengthened, yielding mutually beneficial and win-win outcomes.
The synergy between Chinese-style modernisation and the Madani Economy has sparked new momentum for growth in both nations.
According to Chinese statistics, bilateral trade between China and Malaysia surpassed US$190 billion from January to November this year, with annual trade expected to exceed the US$200 billion mark.
This marks China as Malaysia’s largest trading partner for the 16th consecutive year.
Additionally, China has remained Malaysia’s top source of foreign investment for several years, with cumulative investments exceeding US$19 billion.
The two countries continue to see significant benefits from high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation. A flagship project, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), is 75% complete and has contributed 2.7% to Malaysia’s economic growth during its construction phase.
Moreover, both nations are intensifying collaboration in emerging fields such as the digital economy, green development, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and more, driving the advancement of innovative and high-quality productive forces.
This year, Malaysia was honoured as the Guest Country of Honour at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Country of Honour at the 21st China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO).
Through these prestigious Chinese platforms, Malaysian businesses have gained access to China’s vast market and expanded their reach globally.
Since August, Malaysia has also begun exporting fresh durians to China, boosting the Malaysian durian industry and offering Chinese food enthusiasts a taste of Malaysia’s renowned delicacy.
Article writer, China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang says that significant progress has been made under the strategic guidance of leaders from both nations.
Crossing borders
Cultural exchanges have deepened, fostering stronger people-to-people bonds. Since late last year, China and Malaysia have implemented a mutual visa exemption policy, allowing their citizens to travel freely between both countries.
According to Malaysian statistics, three million Chinese tourists visited Malaysia from January to November this year, reflecting a 155% year-on-year increase. Tourist arrivals between the two nations have even surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
Recently, China extended the visa-free stay period for Malaysian citizens to 30 days, providing greater flexibility for Malaysians to explore the wonders of China.
To mark the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations, an official logo featuring the Great Wall of China and the PETRONAS Twin Towers was unveiled, set against the national flag colours of both nations.
Commemorative stamps were also released, with the Greeting Pine and Merbau tree symbolising the enduring friendship between the two countries. A series of commemorative events, spanning various sectors and levels, have infused new energy into the flourishing China-Malaysia relationship.
Steadfast friends
Constructive ideals evolve with the times. As key developing nations and emerging economies in Asia, the China-Malaysia relationship holds significant strategic importance, not only for the well-being of their people but also for the future and stability of the region.
Fifty years ago, Malaysia overcame the Cold War tensions and ideological barriers to become the first Asean country to establish diplomatic ties with China after Asean’s formation. Since then, Malaysia has played an active role in promoting China-Asean dialogue and cooperation.
Next year, Malaysia will assume the rotating chairmanship of Asean, leading Southeast-Asian collaboration under the theme of “inclusivity and sustainability.”
China will provide steadfast support to Malaysia in fulfilling its role as Asean Chair and will continue to uphold Asean centrality.
Moving forward, China and Malaysia will deepen political mutual trust, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, and enhance cultural exchanges.
Over the next 50 years, the strong bond between China and Malaysia will continue to navigate challenges and sail toward an even brighter, more prosperous shared future.
