GEORGE TOWN: Social media was abuzz over the weekend with photos of a Chinese naval training ship in Penang waters.
According to China's Ministry of Defense, the naval training ship Qi Jiguang and amphibious dock landing ship Jinggangshan arrived at the Penang port here Malaysia on Saturday as part of a three-day goodwill visit.
During the visit, the Chinese ships organised various exchange activities such as ship open days and deck receptions, to strengthen mutual trust between the two navies and jointly contribute to the building of a maritime community with a shared future.
A reception was also held to welcome the officers and crew of the China PLA Task Group 83 – comprising of training vessel Qi Jiguang (83) and landing ship PLANS JingGangShan (LPD 999) from Zhanjiang, China.
State Tourism and Creative Economy chairman Wong Hon Wai, who represented Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow,said the visit carried special significance as this year marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, a milestone that reflected five decades of friendship, cooperation and mutual respect.
He said in June this year, the Premier of the People's Republic of China, His Excellency Li Qiang arrived in Malaysia for an official visit.
Last month, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, visited President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
"Over the years, our partnership has grown into a comprehensive strategic relationship, encompassing a wide array of sectors, including trade, culture, education, defence and regional security.
"In the maritime sphere, our cooperation is of paramount importance. The strategic Strait of Malacca, which lies at the heart of Penang, serves as a vital link between our countries and the global trade network.
"Ensuring the security and stability of these waters is a shared responsibility and we are pleased to strengthen our maritime collaboration through exchanges such as this visit by Ship 83.
"The presence of the China PLA Navy here reaffirms our mutual commitment to regional peace, stability and the safeguarding of crucial maritime routes," he said during the welcoming reception here yesterday.
Wong said as both countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations, they were reminded that this relationship was not just about governments and policies but about the people of Malaysia and China — working together and building a future of shared prosperity.
"Visits like these allow us to deepen people-to-people ties, foster mutual understanding and strengthen the bonds that unite our nations," he added.