Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan in Beijing on Thursday, marking a significant step forward as the two nations celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized the enduring friendship between China and Malaysia. “China and Malaysia are friendly neighbors who share weal and woe,” Wang said. “China firmly supports Malaysia in pursuing a development path suited to its own national conditions.”
He highlighted the importance of high-level exchanges and mutual cooperation. “China considers its relations with Malaysia a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy,” Wang stated. “We are ready to work with Malaysia to build a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, ushering in an even brighter next 50 years of bilateral relations.”
Acknowledging Malaysia’s role as an important member of ASEAN and a representative of emerging economies, Wang Yi expressed China’s willingness to strengthen communication and coordination. “We should uphold international fairness and justice, oppose unilateralism and bullying, and safeguard the common interests of Global South countries,” he said.
Wang Yi noted that China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. He proposed that the two countries accelerate cooperation in infrastructure, digital economy, green development, and new energy vehicles. He also suggested sharing experiences in poverty reduction and enhancing inter-party exchanges to further enhance bilateral relations.
Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to the one-China policy. “Malaysia firmly adheres to the one-China policy and opposes external forces stirring up trouble in the South China Sea,” he said. “We are willing to strengthen exchanges at all levels and deepen cooperation in energy transition, digital economy, agriculture, and tourism to create an even better future for our bilateral relations.”
The two ministers also discussed international and regional issues of common concern. Malaysia expressed appreciation for China’s just position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. “We firmly advocate the proper settlement of the Palestinian issue through the two-state solution,” Mohamad said.
Wang Yi responded that China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Malaysia for an early resolution to the Palestinian issue.
Reference(s):
Wang Yi: China, Malaysia should push forward bilateral relations
cgtn.com
