China, Malaysia ties to usher in more exciting phase

By Zhao Huanxin (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-11-11 23:09

KUALA LUMPUR: Sino-Malaysian relations will enter a "more exciting" phase, with expanded trade links and more coordination between the nations in regional and international affairs, the countries' leaders said on Wednesday.

China, Malaysia ties to usher in more exciting phase

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak (left) welcomes Chinese President Hu Jintao outside Razak's office in Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur November 11, 2009. [Zhao Huanxin/chinadaily.com.cn]

"We take note of how much bilateral relations have prospered and blossomed over the years and we believe that the relationship is poised to enter a more exciting phase," said Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak after meeting President Hu Jintao Wednesday morning.

Hu said they had reached a "broad consensus" during his visit, which started on Tuesday.

Special coverage:
China, Malaysia ties to usher in more exciting phase 17th APEC Leaders' Week

Hu and his wife, Liu Yongqing, journeyed to the historic city of Malacca and visited the Straits of Malacca, the longest and busiest straits in the world, before they left for Singapore Wednesday afternoon.

Trade between China and Malaysia hit $53 billion last year, passing the target of $50 billion set by the two governments. Malaysia is now China's largest trading partner among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Najib said he would like to see even more trade between the countries.

"Both nations agree that there is enormous scope to expand our relations and we agree that we should work together to increase bilateral trade and investment," he said.

Najib said China hoped to increase its purchase of palm oil and timber.

Hu said the nations should also explore new areas of cooperation. In particular, he said, they should take advantage of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement that will come into effect next year.

The leaders witnessed the signing of several agreements, granting Chinese companies contracts in the construction of one of the country's biggest dams, an aluminum smelting plant and a bridge.

Najib proposed increased collaboration in other sectors, including energy, agriculture, fisheries, education, science, defense and security.

The prime minister yesterday also singled out a deal between Malaysia's central bank, Bank Negara, and the China Banking Regulatory Commission.

"Today's signing ... will open a new era of cooperation in the financial sector between the two countries," said Najib. "It is very meaningful, in view of the current global economic challenge that we face, as well as our hope of deeper integration between our two economies."

And he praised China for both its "constructive" role as a member of G20 and its efforts to cushion the impact of the world economic and financial crisis.

He also lauded the "very positive" role China played in ASEAN.

Hu said China and Malaysia had worked closely together on major regional and world issues. The cooperation should be enhanced in the years to come, he added.

Hu also praised Kuala Lumpur's staunch support for Beijing over Tibet, Xinjiang and Taiwan.

He also said Beijing will continue to support ASEAN's integration process and safeguard the interests of developing countries.

ASEAN connections

Hu's trip is the second ASEAN visit by a top Chinese leader within a month. Premier Wen Jiabao attended the 15th ASEAN summit in Thailand in late October.

"It's a cornerstone of Chinese diplomacy to handle its ties with ASEAN countries well, China's closest neighbors," said Su Hao, an expert on international relations at the China Foreign Affairs University.

He said China shares the same values as ASEAN on actively promoting multilateralism in the international community.

"China now attaches great importance to ASEAN and we support ASEAN in its dominant role in East Asia integration," Su said.

（Zhang Haizhou contributed to this story)