KUCHING: China reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen cooperation with Sarawak as ties between Beijing and Putrajaya reached one of their strongest periods in recent years.
The assurance was conveyed by Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, during a courtesy call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here today (Nov 25).
Ouyang said the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on ongoing collaborations and review projects undertaken by Chinese companies in Sarawak.
“We discussed various cooperation opportunities with the Premier, and the visit allowed us to observe projects carried out by Chinese firms in the state,” he said.
Ouyang also announced the establishment of the China Ambassador Scholarship for students of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), launched during a luncheon with the varsity on Monday (Nov 24).
He added that the embassy contributed eyeglasses to 300 students as part of its ongoing social welfare initiatives in Sarawak.
Ouyang noted that China–Malaysia relations had strengthened significantly, supported by a series of high-level exchanges throughout Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year.
These included the State Visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping in April, Prime Minister Li Qiang’s attendance at the ASEAN–GCC Summit in May, and his return for the ASEAN Summit in October.
He said the Premier’s recent working visit to China, along with trips by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, further reinforced bilateral engagement.
“These high-level visits have elevated China–Malaysia relations to a more strategic level in line with the leaders’ shared vision of a ‘China–Malaysia Community with a Shared Future’,” he said.
Ouyang added that Sarawak’s rapid development in recent years had positioned the state as an increasingly important partner in regional cooperation.
He commended the state’s progress and acknowledged the active involvement of Chinese communities and companies across various sectors in Sarawak.
“We see a bright future for China–Sarawak cooperation. China will continue to support Sarawak’s development and work together to elevate bilateral ties,” he said.
The courtesy call reinforced China’s strong commitment to advancing strategic cooperation with Sarawak, particularly in education, economic development, investment and social programmes.
