KUALA LUMPUR: China should be seen as a partner for cooperation and collaboration and not as a rival, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said that as Malaysia strengthens its ties with China, some might see China's involvement as a potential challenge.
"Together, we can amplify our strengths—Malaysia's strategic location, resources, and policies combined with China's technological expertise and investment capacity," he said at the opening ceremony of the 5th World Association Presidents' Conference (WAPC) on Monday (Dec 2).
Dr Wee added that China's involvement in Malaysia represents an opportunity rather than a threat.
"By strengthening our ties with China, we can attract investments, integrate ourselves further into global supply chains, and create win-win outcomes for both nations," he added.
He said the ongoing trade war between major economies, particularly the United States and China, presents a unique opportunity for Malaysia to position itself as a neutral and reliable trade partner.
This year, Malaysia and China celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Malaysia was the first Asean country to formalise ties with China in 1974.
On this, Dr Wee said that these ties began through a move led by MCA under the leadership of Tun Tan Siew Sin and former MCA president Tan Sri Lee San Choon.
This significant step marked the beginning of a relationship based on trust, mutual respect, and shared prosperity, he added.
Dr Wee then said that as of 2023, China remains Malaysia's largest trading partner for the 15th consecutive year with a trade volume of US$190.24bil (RM846bil), and this figure is expected to grow in the years to come.
”This reflects the strength of our collaboration, particularly under initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has driven advancements in infrastructure, connectivity, and sustainable development,” he added.
Dr Wee said that the success of BRI 1.0 has laid the foundation for a new phase of Belt and Road 2.0, focusing on digital transformation, green energy, and global supply chain resilience.
"These priorities align with Malaysia's goals, presenting tremendous opportunities for both nations," he added.
The World Association Presidents' Conference (WAPC), initiated in 2020 by the government of Hangzhou, China, was created as a platform for global businesses to exchange ideas and foster cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This conference was hosted by Malaysia for the first time outside of China and co-hosted by the MCA, the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, and the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia.
The business-matching sessions will cover a range of sectors, including healthcare, the halal industry, food and agriculture, real estate, industrial energy, and digital commerce.
These sessions are expected to provide targeted networking opportunities for approximately 700 entrepreneurs from Malaysia and China.
Additionally, six round-table meetings will be hosted by MCA leaders, focusing on topics such as biomedicine, green energy, food and agriculture, tourism, e-commerce, and industrial parks.
