KUALA LUMPUR: Education, cultural and youth exchanges will be central to the next phase of Malaysia-China relations, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He said investing in these areas would ensure that younger Malaysians and Chinese citizens continue to carry forward the spirit of friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between both countries.
“By investing in these areas, we ensure that the next generation will continue to carry forward the spirit of friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding,” he said at the 2026 Chinese New Year reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy here on Friday.
Fadillah said Malaysia and China enjoyed a friendship spanning more than five decades, which has grown into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership built on mutual trust, respect and shared aspirations for peace and development.
He said both countries are working more closely in future-oriented and high-value sectors.
A key area is green energy and the green economy, as both pursue low-carbon and climate-resilient growth.
“Malaysia welcomes deeper engagement with China in green investments, innovation and technology transfer that support climate action while creating meaningful economic opportunities for our people,” he said.
“In this respect, Malaysia views China not only as a major economic partner, but also as a strategic collaborator in advancing sustainable and resilient development for our region.”
Fadillah said tourism continues to be a vital bridge between the people of both countries with China being one of Malaysia’s most important tourism markets.
He added that he was encouraged by the strong recovery in travel and people-to-people exchanges.
Malaysia, he said, looks forward to working closely with China to enhance connectivity, boost tourism cooperation and further strengthen the human connections underpinning the relationship.
He said Chinese New Year is rich in meaning and symbolises renewal, harmony, unity and hope – values shared by Malaysians of all backgrounds.
Quoting the Chinese proverb he qi sheng cai (harmony brings prosperity), Fadillah said harmony lies at the heart of the Chinese New Year and is also the basis of lasting partnerships.
He also cited tong zhou gong ji, which means those who sail in the same boat must help one another cross the river.
Fadillah said partnerships rooted in dialogue, harmony and mutual benefit were more important than ever.
He stressed that Malaysia remained committed to working with China to promote regional stability, sustainable development and shared prosperity, in line with Asean and multilateral principles.
China’s ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing highlighted the surge in travel between the two countries following the introduction of the mutual visa-free policy, saying that “travel on a whim has become real” for Malaysians and Chinese alike.
In 2025, Malaysia received 4.77 million tourist visits from China, while 716 flights now operate between both countries each week, which he said was clear proof of ever-closer people-to-people ties.
Looking ahead, Ouyang said 2026 will be an important starting point for both countries, as it marks the first year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Malaysia’s 13th Malaysia Plan.
He added that bilateral trade between China and Malaysia reached US$191.66bil (about RM820bil) in 2025, according to China’s official data, despite a weak global economic climate.
He also noted that China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years.
Besides Fadillah and his wife Datin Seri Ruziah Mohd Tahir, other guests who were at the reception included MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
Also present were Star Media Group’s group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt and chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng as well as Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
