BEIJING, Sept 25 — Malaysia and China’s partnership has moved beyond trade towards shaping a more connected Asia, anchored by regional cooperation and people-to-people ties, according to Malaysia’s Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad.
He said the two nations’ future lies in forging supply chains that stretch from Southeast Asia to the heart of Eurasia and supported by initiatives such as Belt and Road and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
“Together we can champion rules-based trade, harmonise digital and green standards, and create an economic region where goods, services, and ideas move freely,” said Norman in his welcoming remarks for Malaysia’s National Day reception here on Wednesday.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1974, Norman said Malaysia and China have grown from strength to strength, and frequent high-level visits underscore the depth of their cooperation.
The only way forward is to move forward together, he said, and Malaysia is ready to work hand-in-hand with China to build a better future for both peoples.
The most recent visit by a Malaysian leader to China was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof’s seven-day official visit on the invitation of the Chinese government, which ended Tuesday.
Looking ahead, Norman emphasised that both countries have a significant role in bringing bilateral cooperation closer to the people.
This people-to-people connection, he added, is vital as Malaysia prepares to welcome the world for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
The Malaysian National Day reception featured a distinctly Malaysian ambience with traditional music, Chinese guests joining in the joget dance, and delicacies from across the country, including ‘pasemboq Aloq Staq’, ayam percik Pantai Timur, nekbat, and penjaram.
China’s Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin attended the event along with nearly 500 guests from the diplomatic corps, Malaysian business and student associations, and the Malaysian diaspora in Beijing.
