CHINESE Premier Li Qiang will be visiting Malaysia this week, starting tomorrow. Meanwhile, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, had returned recently from an 11-day visit to China.
These high-level interactions are a significant component of the festivities that mark the golden jubilee of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations.
Over the past half-century, the two countries have cultivated a dynamic partnership that spans numerous domains, which gives them every reason to celebrate this prosperous 50-year journey. The close bond between China and Malaysia is not a happenstance but a result of enduring historical ties and shared interests.
The relationship between China and Malaysia extends well beyond the past 50 years. The legendary voyages of Admiral Zheng He to Malacca during the Ming Dynasty have been etched into the collective memories of Chinese and Malaysians.
In the contemporary landscape, China and Malaysia, as integral members of the developing world, find a shared resonance in their national strategies.
The Chinese modernisation drive and "Malaysia Madani" initiative, both prioritising economic development, are fundamentally driven by the same noble goal: to make life better for the people. Meanwhile, robust economic complementarity also positions the two countries as natural partners in the quest for economic prosperity.
On the diplomatic front, Malaysia has demonstrated a remarkable level of rationality and pragmatism. This wisdom, particularly in navigating sensitive issues, ensures that the practical cooperation between China and Malaysia remains undisturbed by geopolitical tensions.
Five decades of robust cooperation have given rise to a multitude of success stories, and the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" initiative stands out as a most prominent example.
The China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park (CMQIP) and the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), launched in 2012 and 2013, have been instrumental in streamlining cross-border trade and investment. They have invigorated industrial production and hastened the development of transnational supply and value chains.
For instance, the expansion of the Kuantan Port in Pahang, in tandem with MCKIP, has boosted the direct export of Malaysian industrial products like palm oil and rubber to various Asian markets, creating not only new jobs but also new income streams for the local populace.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as a global public good, has added fresh momentum to China-Malaysia cooperation. The East Coast Railway Link (ECRL), the mega railway infrastructure connecting the northern state of Kelantan to the bustling Klang Valley, is a flagship BRI project that exemplifies the scale and ambition of China-Malaysia cooperation.
Jointly developed by enterprises from both countries, this new railway is expected to generate over 18,000 local jobs during the construction phase. Upon completion, the ECRL is set to reduce travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Baru from seven hours to approximately four hours.
Improved connectivity is sure to make life more convenient for the local community and bring greater economic gains in tourism and other industries.
Mega projects are not the whole story. China and Malaysia are currently exploring new frontiers for collaboration in emerging industries such as the digital economy, green development and new energy vehicles.
In recent years, automakers like BYD and Great Wall Motor have developed a diverse line-up of electric vehicles tailored to the needs of Malaysian consumers. Meanwhile, tech giants like Huawei and OPPO have become top-selling brands in Malaysia.
The teaming-up between PayNet and Alipay has also enabled a seamless digital payment experience for both Malaysians and international visitors. These initiatives have not only increased the options for consumers, but also unlocked new avenues for cooperation between the two countries.
At regional and global levels, China and Malaysia have remained steadfast in championing peace and prosperity and acted as a stabilising force in a world of uncertainties and turbulence. As influential members of the global community, their unwavering commitment to multilateral diplomacy has contributed positively to the broader goals of international harmony and economic advancement.
Next year, Malaysia will assume the Asean chairmanship, which offers a platform for Malaysia to steer the regional agenda, catalyse robust dialogues and initiate groundbreaking projects. This pivotal moment will indeed usher in an exciting new chapter for China-Malaysia relations and the wider China-Asean engagement, and present new opportunities for a collaborative China-Malaysia endeavour in shaping a stable and prosperous future for the region and beyond.
"Rakan sejati kasih setinggi gunung" (True friendship is higher than the mountains) is a much-quoted line of "Sayang Sayang My Dear Friend", the theme song of the Golden Jubilee celebration.
The heartfelt lyrics are not just a line in a song; they symbolise a powerful testament to the enduring bond between China and Malaysia, rooted in centuries of friendship, fostered through mutual understanding, and tested by time.
Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reached a common understanding to forge a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, a vision that builds on past progress and opens new vistas for the future.
With this vision in mind, China and Malaysia are poised to embark on a journey of growth and success together and continue to advance the interests of their peoples and the greater good of humanity.
The writer is an international affairs observer based in Beijing