Collector’s edition: Ahmad Zahid and Ding launching a special-edition stamp in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. — Bernama
HERE’s good news for Malaysians going to China – they will now be allowed visa-free entry for 30 days instead of the current 15.
China has agreed to extend the entry duration, allowing both businessmen and tourists to stay longer there.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the matter was discussed during a courtesy call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday, and later agreed to by China’s State Councillor and Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong.
“The agreement was conveyed to our ambassador in Beijing and also Wisma Putra.
“The 30-day visa-free travel will take effect once an agreement is signed between the Chinese Minister and our Home Minister next week,” Ahmad Zahid told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Dong Si Mosque.
The travel convenience, he added, is a recognition given to Malaysia for what has been offered to Chinese tourists coming to the country.
“Several Asean countries have implemented long-term visa-free travel arrangements (with China). This will be discussed with Premier Li Qiang when he visits Malaysia in mid-June,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister announced the 30-day visa-free travel during his speech at a luncheon hosted by Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.
“I would like to announce that both countries have agreed to this (extending the visa-free travel to 30 days). The implementation will be signed and announced officially at a later date,” he said when addressing the guests.
Ahmad Zahid’s announcement was greeted with thunderous applause from the floor, with some guests likening it as a gift to Malaysia on the very day of the anniversary.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the bilateral partnership between Malaysia and China has flourished across various sectors over the decades. He said the Malay proverb “bagai aur dengan tebing” best describes the time-honoured and abiding Malaysia-China relations.
“It means “like the bamboo and the river bank” or the closest Chinese idiom, “tong zhou gong ji”, which means “crossing the river in the same boat”. These idioms symbolise the spirit of collaboration and helping one another,” he explained.
Ahmad Zahid noted that the journey of Malaysia-China relations saw significant milestones, ranging from establishing robust political and diplomatic ties to enhancing economic and trade cooperation.
“I am glad that our collaboration goes beyond politics and economy to include education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. These efforts have strengthened the bonds between our societies.
“Nevertheless, there remains ample opportunity for both sides to consolidate further and expand the excellent ties,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said there is a huge potential for deeper cooperation between Malaysia and China, including expanding and accelerating collaboration in the field of education, with a focus on technical and vocational education and training (TVET), high- technology development as well as people-to-people exchanges.
In his speech, Ding said a five-pronged principle would be China’s guide to promote the development of its relations with Malaysia by focusing on building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.
“We aim to deepen cooperation in Belt and Road Initiatives, technology and industry, and support each other in maintaining stability.
“China is willing to increase imports of Malaysian products and support Malaysia’s open cooperation initiatives. We will also work together in multilateral cooperation to build a prosperous and friendly Asia,” he said.
