King’s trip to China marks a new chapter in bilateral ties

KUALA LUMPUR: When His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, makes his visit to China from Sept 19 to 22, it will be a significant milestone as the last visit by a Malaysian King was over a decade ago.

More importantly, the visit marks the celebration of 50 years of friendship between Malaysia and China this year.

The four-day visit by Sultan Ibrahim is his first overseas state visit since his installation as the King in July.

According to a statement from Istana Negara, the King is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Li Qiang followed by a meeting with President Xi Jinping, the two top Chinese leaders.

The late Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, visited China in 2014 where he met then prime minister Li Keqiang.

His visit then was to commemorate the 40th anniversary celebrations of Malaysia and China.

“Much has changed in China over the last decade. The relationship between Malaysia and China has taken great strides forward as we celebrate the 50th anniversary this year,’’ an analyst said.

The analyst said the visit by Sultan Ibrahim as a head of state would receive much attention.

In a statement, Istana Negara said the King’s visit would usher in a “new chapter of close relationship” between Malaysia and China.

“Malaysia’s relationship with the republic has brought numerous benefits over the past five decades,’’ Sultan Ibrahim said.

He expressed hope that this visit would serve as a foundation for strengthening the two countries’ friendship in the next decade.

“I am confident that there are various areas we can explore together, particularly in sectors such as the digital economy, green development and industrialisation,’’ he said.

The King will also visit the Beijing Comac Civil Aircraft Technical Research Centre to observe the latest developments in China’s aviation technology.

Comac, which is the acronym for Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, functions as the main vehicle in implementing large passenger aircraft programmes in China.

The King will also find time to meet the Malaysian diaspora, which include an estimated 4,000 students, in China.

China remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner.

Malaysia’s total trade with China increased by 3.3% year on year to over RM112bil in the first quarter of this year, according to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).

Last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited China, his maiden trip to the East Asian country after taking office.