KUCHING: This week marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, celebrating a half-century of growing partnership and friendship between the two nations.
Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong in his Facebook post today highlighted the historical importance of this relationship.
He said the normalisation of the diplomatic relations 50 years ago, spearheaded by prominent figures like Tun Michael Chen Wing Sum of MCA with his ‘ping-pong diplomacy,’ laid the foundation for the strong ties.
“Ten years ago, the establishment of inter-party diplomacy between Malaysia and China further strengthened our ties.
“With a focus on mutual cooperation and equality, Malaysia, through the efforts of MCA, actively participates in programmes like the Belt and Road Initiative, and contributes to the vision of a shared future between the two nations.
“The bilateral relationship between Malaysia and China is multifaceted, encompassing political, economic, cultural, and educational domains, with the MCA playing a significant role in fostering these connections,” he said.
On the economic front, Dr Wee pointed out that China has been Malaysia’s largest trade partner for 15 consecutive years, with trade consistently growing since 2009.
Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, he said the bilateral trade has continued to thrive, averaging RM 435.3 billion annually between 2020 and 2023, representing a 9.2 percent annual growth rate.
He cited projects like the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link and the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park as examples of the potential for further economic collaboration.
Additionally, he also highlighted the flourishing people-to-people exchanges, with an increasing number of Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia and Malaysian students pursuing education opportunities in China.
“China’s recent announcement to extend visa-free entry for Malaysian citizens until the end of 2025 further enhances these interactions.
“If Malaysia reciprocates by extending visa-free entry for Chinese tourists, it would undoubtedly bolster bilateral cooperation in trade, tourism, culture, and academia, that will benefit governments, businesses, and our people,” he added.
He went on to express optimism about future engagements and collaborations with Chinese leaders, government officials, entrepreneurs, and scholars to create a prosperous future together.
“Through enhanced cooperation, we can achieve mutual economic prosperity that will be beneficial to our people,” he said.
