(Bandar Seri Begawan, 27th) Chinese Ambassador to Brunei, Xiao Jianguo, expressed gratitude to the media and think tank friends for their long-standing support and concern for China-Brunei relations and China's development. He thanked them for comprehensively, objectively, and deeply introducing China and China-Brunei relations to the people of Brunei, making important contributions to the development of bilateral relations. He expressed his heartfelt thanks and looked forward to further exchanges and close cooperation, hoping they would continue to support him and the embassy's work.
Ambassador Xiao made these remarks at a Ramadan media and think tank briefing at the Al-Afiah Hotel last night.
The Ambassador stated that the traditional friendship between China and Brunei is longstanding. In the 30+ years since establishing diplomatic relations, both sides have continually deepened political trust and actively aligned development strategies. Pragmatic cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results, with both nations maintaining good coordination in international and regional affairs, setting a model of equality and mutual benefit between countries of different sizes, and making positive contributions to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
This February, the Sultan of Brunei successfully made a state visit to China and attended the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin. The heads of the two countries had cordial and friendly exchanges, positively assessing the high-level development momentum of current China-Brunei relations. They reached important consensus on promoting bilateral relations towards building a China-Brunei community with a shared future, providing a strategic blueprint, injecting strong impetus, and signaling a positive message for China and Brunei to advance together on the path of modernization amidst the world's century-old changes.
President Xi Jinping pointed out that building a community with a shared future for China and Brunei aligns with the trend of the times and serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations. Both sides should seize the momentum, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and strategic coordination, respect each other, build mutual trust, and remain good neighbors across the sea, trusted friends, and partners in common development.
The Sultan stated that Brunei and China have always shown mutual respect and trust, and bilateral relations continue to develop. Brunei greatly values its relationship with China, firmly adheres to the One-China policy, and views China as an important partner. Brunei is willing to strengthen its strategic cooperative partnership with China, work towards the Brunei-China community with a shared future, and bring more benefits to the peoples of both countries.
In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders, high-level political trust between China and Brunei has continued to deepen, and pragmatic cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results. The Hengyi Petrochemical joint project under the Belt and Road Initiative operates at high quality, contributing approximately 10% of Brunei's GDP, significantly aiding Brunei's economic diversification transformation. The expansion of Muara Port is progressing steadily, and the "port-industry-park" model is accelerating its implementation, moving rapidly towards becoming a regional hub port. By 2024, the bilateral trade volume between China and Brunei reached $2.809 billion, with Brunei's exports to China close to $2.1 billion, a 7.8% year-on-year increase. China became the second largest source of foreign investment and one of Brunei's top three trading partners, with the interest ties between both sides becoming more robust. Over the past year, China's hybrid rice trial plantations have yielded a successful harvest, and the hybrid rice senior expert consultancy project concluded smoothly, contributing to Brunei's food security. Brunei's aquatic products have made successful inroads into the Chinese market, with the local specialty Udang Galah (giant freshwater prawn) reaching Chinese tables. Cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries have become more frequent, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Currently, China-Brunei relations stand at a new historical starting point with broad prospects and significant potential. We are willing to work together with Brunei, guided by the important consensus of both countries' leaders, to promote the construction of the China-Brunei community with a shared future as the main line, firmly supporting each other and transforming the strategic blueprint into vivid practices and rich results of bilateral cooperation. We aim to be companions on the road to modernization and reliable partners in achieving the rejuvenation and development of both countries.
The Sultan of Brunei, in his state visit to China last month, repeatedly stated that Brunei consistently adheres to the One-China principle, which was included in the joint statement issued by both countries, for which China expressed appreciation. We hope and believe everyone will continue to abide by the commitments of His Majesty the Sultan and the government of Brunei, understanding and supporting China's stance and position on the Taiwan issue.
Xinjiang, a region inhabited by many Muslims in China, like Brunei, will celebrate the upcoming Eid al-Fitr with feasts, singing, and dancing. People will visit friends and family, share food, and exchange greetings, demonstrating Xinjiang's respect for and protection of religious freedom. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping has consistently focused on Xinjiang's reform, development, and stability and the happiness of all its ethnic people. The Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government continue to enrich and develop strategies for governing Xinjiang, advancing all aspects of Xinjiang society and achieving historic accomplishments. China's policies for governing Xinjiang have achieved remarkable results, and Xinjiang's development achievements are evident for all to see. However, a small handful still choose to view Xinjiang with "colored lenses," fabricating and spreading falsehoods, seriously harming Xinjiang's stability and the basic human rights of its people. Lies will ultimately be exposed in the face of facts and truth.
The embassy's photo wall frequently shares Xinjiang's cuisine, dances, and beautiful scenery, receiving much care and likes from Brunei friends. We hope everyone continues to be a storyteller of Xinjiang, spreading the beauty of Xinjiang far and wide; continues to support Xinjiang's prosperity and stability, allowing its vast landscapes to thrive; and continues to be champions of fairness and justice, maintaining objectivity, upholding justice, rejecting falsehoods, and applauding Xinjiang. The door to Xinjiang is always open, and the achievements in economic and social development and human rights protection are evident for all to see. We warmly welcome Brunei friends to visit Xinjiang, experience the hospitality of its people, admire the magnificent scenery from south to north of the Tianshan Mountains, and listen to the vivid stories of beautiful Xinjiang.
Ambassador Xiao made these remarks at a Ramadan media and think tank briefing at the Al-Afiah Hotel last night.
The Ambassador stated that the traditional friendship between China and Brunei is longstanding. In the 30+ years since establishing diplomatic relations, both sides have continually deepened political trust and actively aligned development strategies. Pragmatic cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results, with both nations maintaining good coordination in international and regional affairs, setting a model of equality and mutual benefit between countries of different sizes, and making positive contributions to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
This February, the Sultan of Brunei successfully made a state visit to China and attended the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin. The heads of the two countries had cordial and friendly exchanges, positively assessing the high-level development momentum of current China-Brunei relations. They reached important consensus on promoting bilateral relations towards building a China-Brunei community with a shared future, providing a strategic blueprint, injecting strong impetus, and signaling a positive message for China and Brunei to advance together on the path of modernization amidst the world's century-old changes.
President Xi Jinping pointed out that building a community with a shared future for China and Brunei aligns with the trend of the times and serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations. Both sides should seize the momentum, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and strategic coordination, respect each other, build mutual trust, and remain good neighbors across the sea, trusted friends, and partners in common development.
The Sultan stated that Brunei and China have always shown mutual respect and trust, and bilateral relations continue to develop. Brunei greatly values its relationship with China, firmly adheres to the One-China policy, and views China as an important partner. Brunei is willing to strengthen its strategic cooperative partnership with China, work towards the Brunei-China community with a shared future, and bring more benefits to the peoples of both countries.
In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders, high-level political trust between China and Brunei has continued to deepen, and pragmatic cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results. The Hengyi Petrochemical joint project under the Belt and Road Initiative operates at high quality, contributing approximately 10% of Brunei's GDP, significantly aiding Brunei's economic diversification transformation. The expansion of Muara Port is progressing steadily, and the "port-industry-park" model is accelerating its implementation, moving rapidly towards becoming a regional hub port. By 2024, the bilateral trade volume between China and Brunei reached $2.809 billion, with Brunei's exports to China close to $2.1 billion, a 7.8% year-on-year increase. China became the second largest source of foreign investment and one of Brunei's top three trading partners, with the interest ties between both sides becoming more robust. Over the past year, China's hybrid rice trial plantations have yielded a successful harvest, and the hybrid rice senior expert consultancy project concluded smoothly, contributing to Brunei's food security. Brunei's aquatic products have made successful inroads into the Chinese market, with the local specialty Udang Galah (giant freshwater prawn) reaching Chinese tables. Cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries have become more frequent, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Currently, China-Brunei relations stand at a new historical starting point with broad prospects and significant potential. We are willing to work together with Brunei, guided by the important consensus of both countries' leaders, to promote the construction of the China-Brunei community with a shared future as the main line, firmly supporting each other and transforming the strategic blueprint into vivid practices and rich results of bilateral cooperation. We aim to be companions on the road to modernization and reliable partners in achieving the rejuvenation and development of both countries.
The Sultan of Brunei, in his state visit to China last month, repeatedly stated that Brunei consistently adheres to the One-China principle, which was included in the joint statement issued by both countries, for which China expressed appreciation. We hope and believe everyone will continue to abide by the commitments of His Majesty the Sultan and the government of Brunei, understanding and supporting China's stance and position on the Taiwan issue.
Xinjiang, a region inhabited by many Muslims in China, like Brunei, will celebrate the upcoming Eid al-Fitr with feasts, singing, and dancing. People will visit friends and family, share food, and exchange greetings, demonstrating Xinjiang's respect for and protection of religious freedom. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping has consistently focused on Xinjiang's reform, development, and stability and the happiness of all its ethnic people. The Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government continue to enrich and develop strategies for governing Xinjiang, advancing all aspects of Xinjiang society and achieving historic accomplishments. China's policies for governing Xinjiang have achieved remarkable results, and Xinjiang's development achievements are evident for all to see. However, a small handful still choose to view Xinjiang with "colored lenses," fabricating and spreading falsehoods, seriously harming Xinjiang's stability and the basic human rights of its people. Lies will ultimately be exposed in the face of facts and truth.
The embassy's photo wall frequently shares Xinjiang's cuisine, dances, and beautiful scenery, receiving much care and likes from Brunei friends. We hope everyone continues to be a storyteller of Xinjiang, spreading the beauty of Xinjiang far and wide; continues to support Xinjiang's prosperity and stability, allowing its vast landscapes to thrive; and continues to be champions of fairness and justice, maintaining objectivity, upholding justice, rejecting falsehoods, and applauding Xinjiang. The door to Xinjiang is always open, and the achievements in economic and social development and human rights protection are evident for all to see. We warmly welcome Brunei friends to visit Xinjiang, experience the hospitality of its people, admire the magnificent scenery from south to north of the Tianshan Mountains, and listen to the vivid stories of beautiful Xinjiang.