KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia-China relations will further expand as Beijing hopes to deepen strategic development, high-quality construction of Belt and Road programmes, cooperation in emerging industries of strategic economy, green development and intelligent manufacturing.
At the same time, China acknowledges the importance of Asean and Malaysia's role, which will continue on a positive trajectory as both countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations this year, said China's Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing.
"The Chinese dragon and Malayan tiger will hold hands tighter and progress faster on the way to building a better future of the China-Malaysia community with a shared future," he said at the 2024 Chinese New Year Reception hosted by the Embassy of China.
He then launched a special logo to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations this year with Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who lauded the flourishing ties between the two countries.
"With unwavering optimism, we embark on this next chapter with confidence and that the future holds even greater possibilities for synergistic collaboration and prosperity," he said.
Fadillah also said that Malaysia looks forward to more constructive engagements with China, whether in promoting relations or in terms of people-to-people connection, a common element since establishing diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974.
The New Year event was attended by about 1,000 guests including Malaysian dignitaries, foreign embassy representatives, government officials, Chinese nationals and community leaders.
While it's becoming harder to manage the ebb and flow of the world economy, Yujing, however, points to the robustness of Malaysia-China trade, which in 2023 reached 1.3 trillion yuan in value.
Last year, Malaysia also became the largest trading partner with China for the 15th consecutive year.
In terms of regional and world affairs, China will keep contributing positively towards a more stable and secure international climate.
Upholding the Asian values of unity and collaboration, China is willing and ready to work with Malaysia and other Asean countries in building Asia into a peaceful, prosperous and amicable home for all, Yujing said.
If recent developments are taken into account, China has been consistent in advocating resolving conflicts through peaceful means.
For China, the Saudi Arabia-Iran reconciliation was a major victory of the Chinese way of settling hotspot issues.
"China will unequivocally continue to defend multilateralism, safeguard the common interests of regional countries, and make greater contributions to the betterment of the global governance system," he said.