Xi pledges to bring China-Malaysia community with shared future to new level

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held talks with Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar in Beijing, pledging to work with Malaysia to bring the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future to a new level.

Xi pointed out that as neighbors across the sea, China and Malaysia enjoy a time-honored friendship. Since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1974, China and Malaysia have always been in friendly terms and supported each other, setting a fine example of mutual achievements and win-win cooperation among countries.

Xi said this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship, a significant year for China-Malaysia relations to build on past achievements and forge ahead into the future.

China is further deepening reform comprehensively and advancing high-standard opening-up, which will bring new impetus and opportunities to China-Malaysia cooperation, Xi added.

China is ready to work with Malaysia to carry forward fine traditions, be close neighbors of everlasting friendship, sincere partners of joint development, brotherly friends and an important force for peace, Xi said, adding that the two countries should deepen strategic cooperation in each other's modernization and push the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future to a new level.

Xi stressed that China is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with Malaysia, enhance strategic communication, and support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns.

He said China supports the Malaysia Madani concept and is willing to share governance experience with Malaysia, better align development strategies, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, implement key projects, strengthen cooperation in agriculture and poverty reduction, tap the potential for cooperation in high-tech industries such as new energy and digital economy, and help advance each other's modernization process.

The two sides should deepen exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Islamic civilizations, strengthen cooperation in areas such as higher education and joint scientific research, enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples, and foster future generations who will carry forward the China-Malaysia friendship, the president said.

He said China and Malaysia, as two important members of the Asia-Pacific region, developing countries and emerging market economies, should play a demonstration and leading role and add new dimensions and global significance to the China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

China supports Malaysia as ASEAN's rotating chair next year and is willing to work with Malaysia to advance East Asian cooperation and regional economic integration, strengthen communication and coordination on important hotspot and international issues, and contribute to maintaining regional and world peace and stability, Xi said.

Sultan Ibrahim said that he was honored to pay his first state visit to the great China as the head of state of Malaysia. 　 Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and the hard work of the Chinese people, China has achieved remarkable development achievements, become an important engine of the world economy, and set an example for developing countries such as Malaysia, he said.

Noting Malaysia is one of the first ASEAN countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, and is also the first ASEAN country to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, the King said Malaysia-China relations are based on mutual trust and mutual respect.

The Malaysian side appreciates the Chinese government's people-centered development philosophy, supports President Xi's Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, regards China as a reliable partner, and is committed to developing a strong partnership with China, achieving common progress, and carrying on side by side on each other's road to modernization, he said.

Sultan Ibrahim said Malaysia has benefited greatly from the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and stands ready to work with China to deepen Belt and Road cooperation in trade and investment, infrastructure, connectivity, culture and education, and push Malaysia-China relations to a higher level.

Malaysia is willing to work with China to make constructive contributions to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, he added.

The King said Malaysia, as the rotating chair of ASEAN and coordinator of ASEAN-China relations next year, is willing to play an active role in promoting the comprehensive strategic partnership between ASEAN and China.

He said Malaysia highly appreciates China's fair and just position on the Palestinian question and is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China in international and regional affairs.

On Friday night, Xi also hosted a welcome banquet for Sultan Ibrahim at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi pledges to bring China-Malaysia community with shared future to new level

China extends a helping hand to African countries on the path to modernization, making sure that no country is left behind in the journey towards shared development, which is a collective endeavor with profound significance, according to Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo.

Sassou made the remarks in an exclusive interview with China Central Television (CCTV) in early September while he was in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and a state visit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech titled "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Community with a Shared Future" while attending the opening ceremony of FOCAC on Sept 5.

Xi emphasized in his speech that on the path to modernization, no one, and no country, should be left behind.

"First, President Xi Jinping solemnly announced in his keynote speech that all African countries maintaining normal diplomatic relations with China, whether large or small, have their ties elevated to the level of comprehensive strategic partnerships with China. This move demonstrates China's deep care and steadfast support for African countries, especially those with a relatively weak development foundation. Extending a helping hand and moving forward together to make sure that no country is left behind on the path of shared development, this undoubtedly represents a collective endeavor of profound significance," Sassou said.

And this endeavor sends a clear signal to Global South countries that Africa and China have embarked on a new journey together, he noted.

When discussing the fundamental differences between the modernization processes of the West and those represented by developing countries such as China and African countries, the president stated that he has no intention of delving into the modernization process of the West. This is because it stems from a complex historical context, often achieved through the domination and exploitation of other nations.

"Since first setting foot on this land in 1964 until now in 2024, I have personally witnessed the remarkable social progress and leap in modernization achieved by the Chinese people through their own perseverance and cooperation with people around the world under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. In my view, this represents an unprecedented development and modernization model," Sassou said.

China helps Africa on path to modernization with shared development: president of Republic of Congo