MAY 31 — In conjunction with the 40th anniversary of Malaysia-China ties, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has begun his six-day official visit to China. Warm hospitality has been received so far, from the historical trip in Xi’an to the visit in Beijing that focuses on political and economic issues. The Prime Minister attended the official celebration for the 40th anniversary of Malaysia-China ties, in addition to attending the bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping for discussion on bilateral issues. It has not only further consolidated the bilateral relations, but as well opened a new chapter for the bilateral ties.

Although this is Najib’s fourth time of visit to China as a sitting prime minister, the trip is particularly significant to the bilateral relations and history. The then Prime Minister Tun Razak Hussein laid a foundation to the Malaysia-China tie by inking bilateral ties with his Chinese counterpart Zhou Enlai on May 31, 1974. Tun Razak’s boldness in establishing diplomatic relations with China as the nation was literally isolated by the world then due to its communism ideology made him the first national leader in Southeast Asia to extend the hand of friendship to China, showing his wisdom and foresight.

Today, As his son, Najib continues to lead the two nations towards a new future based on the special historical relationship. It is extraordinarily significant regardless of in terms of Najib’s family and diplomatic relations.

Leaders of the two nations have laid a solid foundation for political, cultural and economic exchanges over the past 40 years. Our former prime ministers Tun Razak Hussein, Tun Hussein Onn and Tun Abdullah Badawi had all paid visit to China while a number of Chinese leaders have also visited Malaysia, including President Xi Jinping who visited the nation in October last year. And each visit has pushed the bilateral relations up to a new level.

As the bilateral ties entered its 40th year, further enhancing their cooperation and political mutual trust, strengthening economic and trade relations and seeking for a consensus on the issue of sovereignty over South China Sea should be the common problems to be concerned, as well as the direction that the two nations should actively pursue. Particularly, the US’ "Return to Asia Pacific" strategy has affected the balance of power in the region. Vietnam’s high-profile anti-China movements to demand sovereignty over the South China Sea has planted dangerous explosive in the South China Sea. Compared to the provocative attitude of Vietnam and the Philippines, Malaysia that has also claimed sovereignty over the South China Sea, however, seems more cautious and low-profile. As a main member of Asean, it will be Malaysia’s turn to chair Asean next year. It will also be an indispensable ally of China as it is trying to exert influence in Asean.

Malaysia and China have been making breakthroughs in terms of bilateral trades over the past 40 years. China has become the largest trading partner of Malaysia since 2009 while Malaysia is the eighth largest trading partner of China. Last year, the bilateral trade volume hit a record of RM350 billion. Despite the increasingly close economic and trade ties, connection between the people of the two countries must still be strengthened and improved. Particularly the disappearance of Malaysia Flight MH370 has led to a boycott movement in China, including the cancellation of tours to Malaysia, setting a blow to the nation’s tourism industry. Obviously, the lack of deep understanding and mutual trust between the people of the two nations have failed us in the challenges brought by the MH370. The governments of both nations should organise various activities to improve mutual trust and encourage mutual visits. Hopefully, Najib’s trip can heal the wound on the bilateral relations and restore Chinese tourists’ confidence in the Malaysia. — mysinchew.com

* This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.