Photo: Dato' Abdul Majit bin Ahmad Khan, president of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association
The transition from a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Malaysia to a vision of a community with a shared future exemplifies the deepening mutual trust and collaboration between the two nations, Dato' Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, president of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association and former Malaysian ambassador to China, told the Global Times in a recent interview.
He emphasized that both countries share a common aspiration to foster a sustainable and inclusive future, grounded in prosperity, harmony, and peace - not only at the bilateral level but also for the broader benefit of global stability.
In the eyes of Majid who served in China for 12 years, the vision of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future is deeply rooted in centuries of historical, trade, cultural, and migratory connections, and is further shaped by the dynamics of an evolving global landscape.
People-to-people exchanges have become a key aspect of enhanced cooperation between the two countries.
Majid emphasized that the visa-free policy has indeed been "a game changer" in facilitating the mobility of people between Malaysia and China.
Tourist arrivals from China to Malaysia reached 3,725,894 in 2024, marking an impressive year-on-year increase of 130.9 percent. This surge, driven by the continuation of the visa-free policy for Chinese nationals until December 2026 and improved air connectivity, is expected to further accelerate growth, the Xinhua News Agency reported, citing a February announcement from Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
The increased influx of visitors has generated positive spillover effects for related industries such as hospitality, transportation, food and beverage, and retail. This is a clear example of a win-win arrangement that benefits both nations, the envoy stated.
He also regarded the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a mega rail project in Malaysia being constructed by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), as another hallmark of bilateral cooperation that genuinely benefits local communities.
The rail link has completed 38 of 41 tunnel breakthroughs ahead of schedule, keeping the key infrastructure project on track, the CCCC and Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) said in a joint statement on Tuesday.
The ECRL extends from Malaysia's largest transport hub, Port Klang, and runs across the peninsula to the northeastern Kelantan state.
"The completion of the ECRL in 2027 is set to be a game changer in enhancing transport mobility and infrastructure connectivity between the less-developed East Coast and the more developed West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is expected to generate employment opportunities, stimulate industrial growth, and foster local entrepreneurship," said Majid.
Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship has adopted the theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' for this year's meetings. Under this banner, He believes that Malaysia and ASEAN are committed to strengthening regional unity and cooperation, ensuring that no stakeholder is left behind.
The aim is to develop a more innovative and sustainable framework for engagement with dialogue partners, he said.
"The China-ASEAN partnership serves as an exemplary model of regional cooperation," he told the Global Times, noting that China has remained a strong advocate for ASEAN Centrality. "By adhering to the principles of non-interference, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence, China has made meaningful contributions to ASEAN's stability, well-being, and shared prosperity."
Leaders from several Southeast Asian countries have reiterated on various occasions that the region will not take sides in the China-US competition. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in June 2024 at the 37th Asia-Pacific Roundtable held in Kuala Lumpur that the South China Sea issue must be resolved among ASEAN member countries and China, without the interference of external parties, which would complicate the matter.
ASEAN will stand firm in defending its sovereignty and the principles of fair play, while resolutely opposing any attempts to undermine regional solidarity or its partnerships. "There are ample opportunities for enhanced cooperation between China and ASEAN," he said.
