Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Malaysia from June 18-20 at the invitation of his counterpart Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This visit was the final leg of an overseas tour that took Li first to New Zealand and then to Australia. The visit to Malaysia acquired special significance as it marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974.
The two countries issued a Joint Statement on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership towards a China-Malaysia Community with a Shared Future, which also reflected a consensus of views on a number of regional and international issues.
Among the key points contained in the joint statement are:
- Both leaders agreed that the world is undergoing profound changes and has entered a new period of instability and transformation. Both countries are important representatives of developing countries in Asia and emerging economies. The strategic significance of bilateral relations has been further highlighted, which is crucial to not only their peoples but also the future of the region, enhancing the unity and cooperation of the Global South. The two leaders will commit to promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.
- Both sides agreed to strengthen rail transportation and infrastructure cooperation and contribute to the realisation of the Pan-Asian Railway vision.
- The Chinese side is willing to import more high-quality agricultural, electrical and electronic, halal and green products from Malaysia,
- China is willing to share with Malaysia its experience in poverty reduction and rural revitalisation and provide assistance within its capacity to improve the wellbeing of the Malaysian people.
- Taking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity, the two sides agree to carry out programs in the fields of culture, tourism, religion, youth and locality, promote interactions at all levels in all areas, and further deepen exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Islamic civilisations.
- The two countries agreed to work together on the multinational nomination to inscribe the element of lion dance on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. Both sides celebrate lion dance as a form of shared history and jointly promote the safeguarding of the shared heritage.
- China welcomes Malaysia taking on the role of country coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations in 2024, and firmly supports Malaysia in assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.
- Both countries will continue to promote the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, and look forward to accelerating the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations towards conclusion as soon as possible
- The two countries emphasised the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability in the South China Sea, agreed to resolve disputes by peaceful means, through friendly consultations and negotiations, in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
- The two sides will work together with other ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and look forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).
- The two countries agreed that for 70 years, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have become the basic norms governing international relations as well as basic principles of international law, contributing the wisdom of Asia to properly handling state-to-state relations. The two sides agreed to follow the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, carry forward the Asian values featuring peace, cooperation, inclusiveness and integration, adhere to the Asian development path of mutual benefit, openness and cooperation, and uphold the Bandung Spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation to contribute to stability and progress in Asia.
- The two countries agreed to support efforts to preserve Southeast Asia as a region free from nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, while contributing to global efforts on disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy, in line with the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ).
- Both leaders expressed grave concern with the ongoing war in Gaza, the dire and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation and its grave impact on the civilian population. Both sides emphasised that civilians in Gaza must be protected, in accordance with international law, and urged for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian assistance and protection of humanitarian relief and medical personnel. The two sides reaffirmed the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine and urged the UN Security Council to reconsider Palestine’s application for full membership, in line with Resolution A/RES/ES-10/23 adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 May 2024, and expressed full support for the resumption of the political settlement process on the basis of the two-state solution, and promoting comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question at an early date.
The following is the full text of the joint statement. It was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations and at the invitation of His Excellency Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, His Excellency Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, paid an official visit to Malaysia from 18 to 20 June 2024. During the visit, Premier Li had an audience with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, held talks with Prime Minister Anwar and attended the celebration of the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. The two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, jointly building the China-Malaysia Community with a Shared Future as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest, and reached a broad consensus.
Both leaders agreed that the two countries have been good neighbours for hundreds of years, true friends with sincerity and partners of win-win cooperation. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 31 May 1974, especially the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2013, the bilateral relations have been continuously improved, delivered important benefits to its peoples and provided an impetus for their development and stability. Such a friendship has witnessed profound changes over half a century and shown renewed vigor and vitality. The two leaders are committed to upholding strategic independence, pursuing common development, maintaining mutual trust, safeguarding fairness and justice, and embarking on cooperation for mutual benefits.
Both leaders agreed that the world is undergoing profound changes and has entered a new period of instability and transformation. Both countries are important representatives of developing countries in Asia and emerging economies. The strategic significance of bilateral relations has been further highlighted, which is crucial to not only their peoples but also the future of this region, enhancing the unity and cooperation of the “Global South”. The two leaders will commit to promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. Malaysia highly commends that President Xi Jinping put forward the concept of building the Community of Shared Future for Mankind, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Principle of Amity, Sincerity, Mutual Benefit and Inclusiveness in Neighbourhood Diplomacy, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. China also supports the fundamental principles of “Malaysia MADANI”, advocating and promoting innovation, care and compassion, inclusiveness as well as mutual respect.
Both countries reached an important consensus on building a China-Malaysia Community with a Shared Future in 2023, and remain steadfast to strengthen and deepen the bilateral cooperation in taking it to even greater heights.
1. Forging high-level strategic mutual trust
1.1 Both leaders agreed to keep the momentum of high-level exchanges and provide significant strategic guidance for the stable development of bilateral relations. The two sides will intensify the exchanges and cooperation between the central and local governments, legislatures, and political parties, enhance communication on policies, and strengthen experience sharing on governance.
1.2 The two sides reiterated their firm support for the national development vision and goals of each other. Malaysia admires China’s achievements in the new era and appreciates China’s pursuit of national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. China appreciates Malaysia’s social and economic achievements under “Malaysia MADANI”.
1.3 The two sides firmly support each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and adhere to the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs. Malaysia reiterates its firm commitment to the One China Policy, as per the Joint Communique signed by the leaders of both countries on 31 May 1974. Consistent with One China Policy, Malaysia recognizes that Taiwan is an inalienable territory of the People’s Republic of China, in order for China to achieve national reunification and thus will not support any call for the independence of Taiwan. Both countries reaffirm their commitments to safeguard social stability, protect national security and enhance national unity.
1.4 The two leaders agreed to enlarge cooperation in areas of the defense industry and enhance exchanges and cooperation on national security. Both sides reiterate the opposition to any form of terrorism and will strengthen cooperation on law enforcement security and anti-terrorism, jointly address cross-border crime and contribute to regional peace and stability.
2. Deepening the development synergy
2.1 The two sides will seize the opportunities provided by the signing of the Belt and Road Cooperation Planbetween the two countries, further synergise development strategies, enhance practical cooperation in all areas, promote integrated and coordinated development, jointly decide and launch mutually agreed projects，achieve deeper integration of industrial and supply chains, data chains and talent chains, and further improve the level and quality of China-Malaysia cooperation.
2.2 Both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure connectivity. The Chinese side supports the Malaysian side in promoting the development of domestic transportation, ports and related logistics industries. Both sides agreed to strengthen rail transportation and infrastructure cooperation and contribute to the realization of the Pan-Asian Railway vision. Both sides will continue to work closely to promote key projects including Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link and the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” between China and Malaysia, further expand the trade scale, strengthen financial cooperation, encourage two-way investment, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the field of intellectual property, and provide a good business environment for bilateral economic and trade exchanges. Malaysia welcomes China’s application to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership(CPTPP) and reiterated that the CPTPP remains open to accession by economies that can satisfy the three Auckland Principles.
2.3 The two countries will seize the opportunities of developing new quality productive forces in the areas of digital economy, green development, AI and energy, explore cooperation in the advanced manufacturing industry, scientific and technological innovation, SMEs development and start-up as well as financial services, jointly develop and identify new areas for mutual synergy and capitalise on existing cooperation and facilitation platforms. The Chinese side appreciates the Malaysian side for providing open and fair opportunities for Chinese enterprises to participate in the construction of Malaysia’s 5G network. The two sides agree to carry out more exchanges and cooperation in the semiconductor value chain and maintain the stability of the industrial and global supply chains.
2.4 The Chinese side is willing to import more high-quality agricultural, electrical & electronic, halal and green products from Malaysia, through the participation of Chinese buyers in the International Sourcing Programmes (INSP’s) organised by MATRADE, during international trade exhibitions in Malaysia such as Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), Malaysia International Furniture Fair (MIFF) and International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM). China on the other hand welcomes Malaysia to continue expanding exports to China through platforms such as the China International Import Expo and the China-ASEAN Expo. China is willing to share with Malaysia its experience in poverty reduction and rural revitalization and provide assistance within its capacity to improve the well-being of the Malaysian people. The two sides agree to make good use of the mechanism of the Joint Working Group on Agricultural Cooperation to strengthen cooperation on agricultural modernization and agricultural technology innovation.
3.Promoting people-to-people exchanges
3.1 The two countries commended the results of a series of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between both countries. Taking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity, the two sides agree to carry out programs in the fields of culture, tourism, religion, youth and locality, promote interactions at all levels in all areas, and further deepen exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Islamic civilizations.
3.2 Both leaders supported the ongoing efforts on visa exemption to promote friendly relations, whereby China agreed to extend the facility until the end of year 2025 and to reciprocate, Malaysia would extend the visa exemption until the end of year 2026. Both leaders welcome the keen interest to continue consultations and discussions on mutual visa exemption to facilitate the entry of the citizens of Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China.
3.3 The two countries confirmed to conduct a new round of joint research on panda protection to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and strengthen scientific research cooperation. Both leaders expect to achieve progress in this field.
3.4 The two sides agreed to enhance education cooperation to a new level, strengthen cooperation on vocational education, joint scientific research and digital education, recognized higher educational institutions to jointly set up institutes for advanced study, enhance interactions between think tanks and higher educational institutions, to promote mutual visits between teachers and students, improve cultural exchanges and mutual learning. Both sides welcomed more cooperation in the fields of media, news and publications, films and broadcast to improve mutual understanding and friendship between their peoples especially the young generations.
3.5 The two countries agreed to work together on the multinational nomination to inscribe the element of lion dance on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. Both sides celebrate lion dance as a form of shared history and jointly promote the safeguarding of the shared heritage.
4.Enhancing multilateral coordination
4.1 China welcomes Malaysia taking on the role of country coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations in 2024, and firmly supports Malaysia in assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. Both countries will continue to promote the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, and look forward to accelerating the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations towards conclusion as soon as possible, and will actively participate in activities of the 2024 ASEAN-China Year of People-to-people Exchanges to enhance the building of a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home, adding impetus to deepening the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and jointly building a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future.
4.2 The two countries reaffirmed the principles, shared values and norms enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), while upholding ASEAN Centrality, supporting ASEAN in strengthening ASEAN-led mechanism, in promoting an open and inclusive regional architecture that is peaceful, stable and conducive for regional development, growth and prosperity
4.3 The two countries emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability in the South China Sea, agreed to resolve disputes by peaceful means, through friendly consultations and negotiations, in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The two sides will launch the bilateral dialogue on the management of maritime issues as early as possible to foster maritime dialogue and cooperation. The two sides will work together with other ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and look forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).
4.4 Both leaders agreed that China and Malaysia have broad common interests and similar positions and propositions in international affairs. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and to jointly upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Both sides will stand for unity and cooperation of the international community, safeguard international fairness and justice, and promote humanity’s common values of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom.
4.5 The two countries agreed that for 70 years, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have become the basic norms governing international relations as well as basic principles of international law, contributing the wisdom of Asia to properly handling state-to-state relations. The two sides agreed to follow the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, carry forward the Asian values featuring peace, cooperation, inclusiveness and integration, adhere to the Asian development path of mutual benefit, openness and cooperation, and uphold the Bandung Spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation to contribute to stability and progress in Asia.
4.6 The two countries shared the view of the importance of preserving and maintaining peace and security in the Asia Pacific region, underpinned by respect for sovereignty and adherence to agreed rules and norms. The two countries agreed to support efforts to preserve Southeast Asia as a region free from nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, while contributing to global efforts on disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy, in line with the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ).
4.7 Both leaders expressed grave concern with the ongoing war in Gaza, the dire and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation and its grave impact on the civilian population. Both sides emphasized that civilians in Gaza must be protected, in accordance with international law, and urged for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian assistance and protection of humanitarian relief and medical personnel. The two sides reaffirmed the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine and urged the UN Security Council to reconsider Palestine’s application for full membership, in line with Resolution A/RES/ES-10/23 adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 May 2024, and expressed full support for the resumption of the political settlement process on the basis of the two-state solution, and promoting comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question at an early date.
Premier Li expressed appreciation to the Malaysian Government and people for their warm and friendly welcome and invited Malaysian leaders to visit China. The Malaysian leaders thanked Premier Li for the invitation and accepted the invitation with pleasure.
