Chinese Vice President Han Zheng concluded a three-day visit to Brunei on Wednesday, with both nations pledging to strengthen their strategic cooperative partnership and elevate bilateral relations to new heights.
During his visit, Vice President Han held separate talks with Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah and Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah. The discussions centered on enhancing cooperation across various sectors and reinforcing mutual commitment to regional peace and development.
“Under the strategic guidance of our leaders, China-Brunei relations have maintained a positive momentum,” Han stated. “China is willing to work with Brunei to implement the important consensus reached by our heads of state, strengthen strategic communication, deepen practical cooperation, and raise our bilateral relations to a new level.”
Han expressed appreciation for Brunei’s consistent adherence to the one-China principle and emphasized China’s readiness to maintain close high-level exchanges. He highlighted opportunities to collaborate on high-quality Belt and Road Initiative projects and to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and agriculture.
Addressing regional cooperation, Han noted, “China attaches great importance to East Asia cooperation and supports ASEAN centrality. We are willing to promote a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, contributing to regional peace, stability, and development.” He also expressed China’s willingness to work with ASEAN countries, including Brunei, to advance maritime cooperation and negotiate the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, aiming to build it into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah reiterated Brunei’s adherence to the one-China principle and expressed a strong desire to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. “We look forward to deepening cooperation with China in economy and trade, energy, food, culture, education, and sports to advance the diversification of Brunei’s economy,” he said.
The Sultan emphasized Brunei’s commitment to ASEAN-China cooperation and expressed hope for joint efforts to address global challenges such as climate change. He affirmed Brunei’s willingness to work with China and other ASEAN countries to ensure that the South China Sea remains a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation for the benefit of regional peace and stability.
Vice President Han’s visit marks a significant step in strengthening ties between China and Brunei, signaling a mutual commitment to collaborative development and regional harmony. The enhanced partnership is expected to bring new opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchange, and strategic cooperation in the region.
