Chinese ambassador forecasts a glorious chapter for bilateral relations in 2026, building on a landmark year of high-level visits and record trade.
KUALA LUMPUR: China and Malaysia are poised to ride high in 2026, jointly writing a glorious chapter for the next golden 50 years of their relationship.
Chinese Ambassador Ouyang Yujing made the forecast during a Chinese New Year reception hosted by his embassy, which was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He described 2025 as a milestone year, highlighted by President Xi Jinping’s second visit to Malaysia after 12 years.
That visit produced a joint statement committing both nations to building a high-level strategic community with a shared future.
Ouyang said this ushered the bilateral relationship into its best phase ever in history.
The momentum was reinforced by Premier Li Qiang’s two visits to Malaysia and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s fourth visit to China since taking office.
Ouyang stated these exchanges substantially strengthened friendly ties in a comprehensive manner.
He added that practical cooperation continues to deliver substantive benefits to the people of both countries.
Citing official Chinese data, he revealed bilateral trade reached USD 191.66 billion in 2025.
This impressive achievement came against a backdrop of global economic downturn.
China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years.
Major cooperation projects are also progressing well, with the East Coast Rail Link achieving 91% completion.
The “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative is undergoing further upgrading.
On people-to-people exchanges, Ouyang credited the mutual visa-free policy for allowing citizens to visit each other on a whim.
In 2025, 4.77 million Chinese tourists visited Malaysia.
There are now 716 weekly flights operating between the two nations.
