Embracing a common future together

THIS year marks the 44th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.

Malaysia was the first Asean country to establish diplomatic relations with China, starting a new phase of cooperation between the two great countries.

Over the past 44 years, like a blooming bunga raya, the national flower of Malaysia, China-Malaysia relations have continued to grow with great vitality and keep pace with the times.

China and Malaysia have become strategic partners with high-level mutual trust. Leaders of the two countries have always maintained the general direction of friendship while assessing the situation and complying with the trend.

Despite international and domestic vicissitudes, China-Malaysia friendship has always been based on equality and mutual trust between the two governments and people of both countries.

The two sides collaborate closely in bilateral as well as regional and international affairs, upholding the spirit of mutual respect and supporting each other. The political trust between the two countries has deepened steadily.

Over the past 44 years, China and Malaysia have become partners with integrated interests. In the first 20 years of China’s reform and opening up, a large number of Malaysian entrepreneurs came to China to invest in and develop business, making valuable contributions to the process of liberalisation as well as national economic development.

Malaysia has cumulatively invested US$7.58bil in China, which surpasses China’s investment in Malaysia. As its counterpart, China kept its promise of keeping the renminbi (RMB) from depreciating during the Asian Financial Crisis, which helped Malaysia fight the crisis.

Despite the sluggish world economy, China continues to strengthen economic cooperation with Malaysia, injecting impetus for Malaysia’s economic growth. For nine consecutive years, China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner. It was the largest investor in Malaysia’s manufacturing industry for two consecutive years and main construction contracting partner for many years. Cooperation between the two countries has been extended to all aspects in a way that’s mutually beneficial and aimed at creating a win-win situation and achieving sustainable results.

China always regards Malaysia as a priority partner in investment and cooperation. We encourage creditworthy and powerful Chinese enterprises to invest in Malaysia. Prospective investors are required to abide by the relevant laws and regulations of both countries and to uphold international trade norms and respect the contract. They must strictly adhere to the fundamental principle of equality, mutual benefit and win-win situation.

We are not in pursuit of selfinterest; rather, we want to contribute to the development of Malaysia’s economy and help improve the people’s livelihood.

Chinese enterprises have brought world-class technology and advanced management experience to Malaysia, besides funds and employment opportunities. We have invested in more than 300 projects, creating more than 62,000 jobs.

In the first week after the setting up of the new government, three more Chinese enterprises invested RM1.2bil in Malaysia. The second phase of the Daiyin Textile Malaysia Company in Johor held its opening ceremony last Sunday. When it’s fully operational, total production will reach 450,000 spindles. The annual income from sales will be up to US$400mil and more than 2,000 jobs will be created. This shows Chinese enterprises’ appreciation for a good business environment and the confidence they have in the new Malaysian government.

China and Malaysia have supported each other like brothers in times of adversity over the past 44 years. Opinion polls show that more than 70% of Malaysians have a favourable view of China, the highest among Asean countries. We will always remember that Malaysians stood in queues to donate money and relief supplies to China when the deadly earthquake struck Wenchuan, Sichuan Province in 2008. Similarly, Chinese people went out of their way to help the people affected by the severe floods on the east coast of Malaysia. The ties between people of the two countries were strengthened over the years by holding hands and overcoming difficulties together.

Today, more than two million Chinese tourists visit Malaysia every year, and China has been Malaysia’s largest source of foreign tourists for six consecutive years.

The number of students exchanged between the two countries has risen dramatically. Xiamen University Malaysia Campus has been in operation since 2016.

All these are encouraging signs that cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries are in full swing.

After 44 years of concerted efforts, China-Malaysia relations are standing on a historic starting point with well-grounded cooperation. The new government with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister heralds a new era of national development in Malaysia. Similarly, the success of the Communist Party of China in hosting the 19th CPC National Congress marked the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation entering a new era.

This also results in opening a new chapter in China-Malaysia relations. While traditionally the two countries have been friends, the rich potential of pragmatic cooperation is yet to be fully exploited.

Making this new energy and rich potential work for the wellbeing of the people in both countries is the current priority of both governments. Therefore, we should blaze new trails, explore new ideas, motivate people and create new opportunities.

In this historic moment of connecting the past with the future, the Chinese government is willing to work hand in hand with the new Malaysian government to develop further so that the people of both China and Malaysia can share and gain from the fruits of development.

I believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Malaysia relations will develop in a higher and stronger manner as we embark on a new journey for greater glory!

After 44 years of concerted efforts, China-Malaysia relations are standing on a historic starting point.

BAI TIAN Ambassador Extraordinaire and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia