50 YEARS STRONG: MALAYSIA-CHINA RELATIONS REACH NEW HEIGHTS OF COOPERATION AND GROWTH

By Aimy Mohamed Yusoff

HANGZHOU (China), Nov. 1 (Bernama) – The diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and China, which has now spanned 50 years, has undoubtedly reached an exceptional level of maturity, enabling both nations to tackle any issues or challenges together.

President of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association (PPMC), Datuk Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, stated that the maturity of the relationship has continued to develop, allowing both countries to resolve arising issues effectively and collaboratively.

"In the journey of relations between the two nations, it hasn’t always been perfect. However, both countries must manage it well. I believe the level of friendship and ties between Malaysia and China has now reached a high level of maturity.

"Both countries are also committed to maintaining this friendship, as China is a neighbouring nation whose development is beneficial to Malaysia," he said while sharing his perspective during the Malaysian Media Delegation’s visit to China in conjunction with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, recently.

The visit, organised by PPMC from Oct. 24 to 29, was part of a people-to-people exchange programme aimed at fostering understanding and knowledge about each other's cultures, languages, technologies, and media roles.

Led by Abdul Majid and Chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, the delegation comprised representatives from leading media organisations, including Bernama, The Star, Berita Harian, Sinar Harian, Astro Awani, and Sin Chew Jit Poh.

During the three days in Beijing, the Malaysian media representatives had the opportunity to meet with Chen Dawei, Director of the International Communications Bureau of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, as well as Hu Jian, Deputy Director of the Information Department at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This meeting provided the media delegation with insights into the latest diplomatic developments, current policies, as well as China’s economic and communications sectors.

The 11-member delegation also had the chance to meet Malaysia’s Ambassador to China, Datuk Norman Muhamad, as well as other staff from the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing.

The Malaysian media representatives were also taken to visit media organisations, including People's Daily and China Media Group (CMG), to observe their operations and exchange views on current journalistic practices and broadcasting technologies.

During the visit, Wong noted that Chinese media expressed a desire to strengthen cooperation in the field of journalism.

The media representatives also met with Malaysian students at Beijing Jiaotong University to gain insight into their experiences of studying in the country, as well as interact with Chinese students enrolled in Malay Language Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU).

The Malaysian delegation then proceeded to Hangzhou, a city in eastern China, where they participated in several programmes, including a cultural visit to West Lake – a UNESCO World Heritage site – along with visits to the Freshwater Pearl Museum and the Jewellery City.

The visit concluded with a meeting with representatives from Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd and Proton at the Geely Holding headquarters.

Abdul Majid expressed hope that the visits to these locations would open a new chapter to further strengthen Malaysia-China relations for the next 50 years.

He noted that the close ties between the two nations are likely to continue and will offer more opportunities for Malaysians to learn technologies and expertise across various fields from China.

"It can be said that Malaysia-China relations have reached their peak in 2024, particularly in the fields of economics, trade, investment, and tourism.

“I can also say that, in the field of education, this year we have welcomed the highest number of students from China enrolling at several universities in Malaysia,” he added.

-- BERNAMA