Beijing, (TDI): Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar in Beijing on Friday, pledging to elevate bilateral ties and build a stronger China-Malaysia partnership.
The Malaysian monarch’s visit, his first to a non-ASEAN country since assuming the role of head of state, is expected to advance relations between the two nations and expand cooperation across various sectors.
Experts believe this meeting will enhance the significance of their bilateral ties within the broader regional framework.
President Xi emphasized the long-standing and time-honored friendship between China and Malaysia, noting that both nations, despite being separated by the sea, have consistently supported each other.
Diplomatic Ties
Diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia were established in 1974, and since then, both countries have maintained friendly ties and promoted win-win cooperation, setting an example for others in the region.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which also coincides with the “Year of China-Malaysia Friendship.”
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Xi described 2024 as a pivotal moment for both nations to build on past achievements and chart a future course of deeper collaboration.
He noted that China’s comprehensive reforms and high-level opening-up would bring new opportunities for cooperation with Malaysia.
President Xi expressed China’s readiness to work closely with Malaysia to uphold shared traditions, fostering an “everlasting friendship” between the two neighbors.
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He underscored the need to strengthen strategic cooperation in each other’s modernization efforts and push forward the development of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.
Experts see King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s visit as a significant step toward expanding bilateral relations.
Ge Hongliang, vice dean of the ASEAN College at Guangxi Minzu University, said that the evolving relationship between China and Malaysia could serve as a model for other countries in the region.
He highlighted its importance against the backdrop of complex regional and international challenges.
In terms of regional issues, particularly the South China Sea, experts noted Malaysia’s preference for maintaining regional stability and managing differences through consultations.
Malaysia has consistently emphasized ASEAN’s central role in resolving disputes and has distanced itself from external interference in regional matters, demonstrating its strategic autonomy, analysts added.
