KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 – Malaysia and China began a new era of friendship and cooperation this July, with surging trade and record arrivals just 20 days into the dawn of ‘Golden 50 Years’ of diplomatic relations.
The Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yuqing, affirmed bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$131.84 131.84bil (RM555.8 billion) through the first 8 months of the year, alluding to just how entrenched the economic partnership between the countries is. Tourist arrivals from China also reached an all-time high of 2.78 million in the first seven months.
Addressing attendees at a reception to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Ouyang said the achievements of trade and tourism demonstrated the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
“As we open a new chapter, we will continue to compose the story of rebuilding brilliance and shared prosperity. Let’s continue to carry forward the traditional friendship between our countries, enhance strategic communication, expand practical cooperation, and improve the well-being of both of our peoples,” Ouyang said.
He also mentioned that the recent high-level exchanges have injected strong momentum into the bilateral relations; he pointed out that President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia, in April of this year, raised the bilateral relations to a high-level strategic community with a shared future and was succeeded by Premier Li Qiang’s visit in May of this year to attend the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also made an official trip to China this month to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus 2025 meeting, and has also participated in the Victory Day Parade in Beijing.
Ouyang indicated that China has moved on in the last 76 years self-defense and independence to the present day where it faces the world with international integration while offering an initiative such as the Belt and Road, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative, which he stated have created a wide consensus and synergies of goodwill for global development and peace.
“China will continue to share development opportunities with countries around the globe, including Malaysia, while working together to build a bright and prosperous future”, he said.
Minister of Transport Anthony Loke Siew Fook, who served as the guest of honour, joined Ouyang in celebrating the successes of both the governments and the relationship between the two countries.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, representatives from the diplomatic corps, Chinese businesses, international students, and members of the diaspora were also in attendance.
Last year, Malaysia and China celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship, which has strengthened since China became Malaysia’s largest trading partner in 2009. In 2024, total trade between the two countries exceeded RM484.12 billion, accounting for 16.8 per cent of Malaysia’s total global trade.
