On December 31, H.E. Ambassador Ouyang Yujing penned an article titled “Set Sail Towards a Shared Future as Amicable Neighbours”, which has been published on Malaysia’s mainstream Chinese, English, and Malay media including Sin Chew Daily, The Star and Sinar Harian, while also wishing Malaysian readers a Happy New Year. Full text as follows:
As dusk falls, a new dawn emerges. We are approaching the finishing line of 2024. Reflecting on this year, it has been a remarkable one, marked by the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations and the China-Malaysia Year of Friendship, both milestones that build on the past to forge ahead. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both nations, the China-Malaysia community with a shared future has taken tangible shape, bringing substantial benefits to both countries and their people.
High-level exchanges have grown closer, reinforcing strategic mutual trust. In June, Premier Li Qiang paid a successful visit to Malaysia, during which the two governments issued a joint statement and reached a series of strategic and forward-looking consensuses, elevating the China-Malaysia community with a shared future to new heights. In September, His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim embarked on a state visit to China. While meeting with President Xi Jinping, His Majesty quoted the Chinese phrase “in weal and woe” to vividly describe the enduring state of China-Malaysia relations. In November, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim undertook his third visit to China since his premiership, drawing up further plans with President Xi Jinping to deepen bilateral relations. Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, along with numerous Malaysian cabinet ministers, also visited China. Likewise, delegations from various Chinese regions and agencies have reciprocated by visiting Malaysia in droves. Through this robust mutual trust and profound friendship, both sides have laid a solid foundation for the China-Malaysia community with a shared future.
With economic and trade cooperation enhanced, mutual benefit and win-win results ensued. The synergy between Chinese-style modernisation and the MADANI Economy has created new momentum for economic growth in both nations. According to Chinese statistics, China-Malaysia bilateral trade exceeded US$190 billion from January and November this year. Annual bilateral trade set to surpass the US$200 billion milestone, marking China as Malaysia’s largest trading partner for the 16th consecutive year. China has also maintained its position as Malaysia’s main source of foreign investment for several years, with cumulative investments exceeding US$19 billion. The two countries continue to reap significant outcomes from high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation. A flagship project, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), has reached 75% completion and has contributed 2.7% to Malaysia’s economic growth during its construction phase alone. Additionally, both nations are deepening collaboration in cutting-edge fields such as the digital economy, green development, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and other areas, accelerating the development of new quality productive forces. This year, Malaysia has been designated as a Guest Country of Honour at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Country of Honour at the 21st China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO). Leveraging these Chinese platforms, Malaysian businesses get to reap the benefit of China's super-large market and access the global market. Since August this year, Malaysia began exporting fresh durians to China, further elevating the Malaysian durian industry and giving Chinese foodies a taste of Malaysia.
With cultural exchanges deepened, people-to-people bond fostered. Since late last year, China and Malaysia have implemented a mutual visa exemption policy, allowing their respective citizens to travel between both countries on a wimp. According to Malaysian statistics, 3 million Chinese tourists visited Malaysia from January to November this year, marking 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, offering Malaysian friends greater flexibility to explore the wonders of China. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations, we launched an official logo featuring the Great Wall of China and the Petronas Twin Towers, set against the national flag colours of both nations. Commemorative stamps were also issued, with the Greeting Pine and the Merbau tree symbolising the two countries’ time-honoured friendship. A series of commemorative events across various sectors and levels have breathed fresh vitality into the ever-thriving China-Malaysia relationship.
Constructive ideals evolve with the times. As key developing countries and emerging economies in Asia, China-Malaysia relationship have great strategic significance, not only for the well-being of their peoples but also for the future and destiny of the region. 50 years ago, Malaysia traversed the Cold War gloom and ideological barriers to become the first ASEAN country to establish diplomatic ties with China after the establishment of ASEAN. Since then, Malaysia has actively promoted 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 steadfastly support Malaysia in fulfilling its responsibilities as ASEAN Chair and will continue uphold ASEAN centrality. Moving forward, China and Malaysia will deepen political mutual trust, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, and enhance cultural exchanges. I firmly believe that over the next 50 years, the great ship of China-Malaysia relations will continue to navigate the waves and sail toward an even brighter and more glorious shared future.
