Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing described the current state of the China-Malaysia community with a shared future as steadily progressing.
In a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency, he stated that under the guidance of the leaders of both countries, China and Malaysia should continue to be close neighbors with generational friendship, sincere partners in joint development, intimate friends with deep understanding, and an important force in promoting peace, creating a brighter future for China-Malaysia relations.
Ouyang Yujing said that China-Malaysia relations have remained evergreen and strong through over half a century of trials. At the establishment of diplomatic relations, Malaysian leaders likened the relationship between the two countries to a "newly born sapling." Today, China-Malaysia relations have grown into a towering tree with deep roots, lush foliage, and abundant fruits.
He stated that China-Malaysia relations are guided by high-level exchanges, building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future characterized by high mutual trust. In 2013, during President Xi Jinping's visit to Malaysia, the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership; in 2023, during a meeting in Beijing with Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar, both sides reached a consensus on building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, planning a blueprint for the development of bilateral relations.
He said that the two countries adhere to pragmatic cooperation as a means to build a mutually beneficial China-Malaysia community with a shared future. China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, and Malaysia remains China's second-largest trading partner in ASEAN and the largest source of imports. Last year, the bilateral trade volume was approximately $212.04 billion, an 11.4% increase year-on-year, setting a new record. Malaysian products are well-received in China, especially since the successful export of fresh durians to China last year, delighting Chinese gourmets.
Ouyang Yujing pointed out that Malaysia is one of China's important global destinations for direct investment, and the cooperation in new quality productivity between the two is gaining momentum. Chinese new energy vehicles are highly regarded in Malaysia, with car companies like Geely and Chery investing in factories in Malaysia, promoting the deep integration of the two countries' production and supply chains. Data centers built by companies such as GDS and Chindata Group have been erected to support Malaysia's goal of a digital transformation.
Ouyang Yujing also mentioned that the China-Malaysia friendship is built on people-to-people exchanges, constructing a China-Malaysia community with a shared future that connects hearts and minds. The historical connection is deeply rooted, with the stories of Zheng He's seven voyages to the West and his five stays in Malacca well-known in Malaysia. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the peoples of both countries have joined hands in facing the Indian Ocean tsunami, the Wenchuan earthquake, and the COVID-19 pandemic, further solidifying their friendship.
He said that by the end of 2023, China and Malaysia will begin implementing a mutual visa exemption policy. In 2024, China is expected to send nearly 3.8 million tourists to Malaysia, with over 500 flights per week between the two countries. Last month, the movie "Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child" was released in Malaysia, quickly setting a new box office record for Chinese films in the country.
In 2025, Malaysia will assume the rotating presidency of ASEAN. Ouyang Yujing stated that China and ASEAN are good neighbors, brothers, and partners who cannot be separated. ASEAN has long practiced multilateralism and open policies, working with China to tread a path of good-neighborliness, friendship, and shared prosperity.
He emphasized that China will unwaveringly support Malaysia's presidency of ASEAN and will stand shoulder to shoulder with ASEAN, building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and jointly constructing a peaceful, secure, prosperous, beautiful, and friendly home. He believes that with the joint efforts of China and ASEAN, friendly cooperation between the two sides will be stable and far-reaching, making greater contributions to a more prosperous and beautiful region and world.