Construction of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a major rail project under the Belt and Road Initiative in Malaysia, is in full swing. Built by the China Communications Construction Company, the ECRL reached 60 percent completion in March.
Once completed, the ECRL is expected to significantly enhance connectivity across Malaysia, linking the less-developed east coast to the economic heartland on the west coast. This integration aims to promote balanced regional growth and open up new economic opportunities.
During an official visit to Malaysia from June 18 to 20, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Premier Li expressed China’s willingness to work with Malaysia to advance major projects like the ECRL and the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative, expand trade and investment, and promote deeper cooperation between the two nations.
According to Ong Tee Keat, president of the BRI Caucus for Asia Pacific and former Malaysian transport minister, China’s partnership model—characterized by amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness—offers a refreshing alternative in Southeast Asia. In an article published on Wednesday, Ong noted that Malaysia has been a key beneficiary of the Belt and Road Initiative’s success in the region.
China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, while Malaysia remains China’s second-largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Anwar reached a significant consensus on jointly building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future. Building on this foundation, both countries agreed during Premier Li’s visit to accelerate this initiative.
The two sides committed to maintaining close high-level exchanges and deepening cooperation across various sectors. They also agreed to promote the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and to conclude negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area as soon as possible.
Strengthening People-to-People Bonds
This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, celebrated as the “China-Malaysia Friendship Year.” Over the past five decades, the two nations have fostered strong people-to-people connections.
In 2023, Malaysia welcomed around 1.4 million Chinese tourists, making them one of the top six inbound tourist groups. The recent visa-free travel waiver has significantly boosted exchanges between the two countries. “We are positive about reaching over 5 million tourists from China,” said Tourism Malaysia Director-General Manoharan Periasamy in April.
Premier Li emphasized the importance of deepening cultural and educational exchanges, as well as enhancing interactions among youths and at the subnational level. He advocated for further facilitating personnel exchanges to strengthen the friendly ties between the Chinese and Malaysian people.
Reference(s):
China, Malaysia to step up building a community with a shared future
cgtn.com
