KUALA LUMPUR: With Malaysia-China relationships flourishing for half a century, the future holds even more for both countries, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The MCA president said the foresight of Malaysia's founding forefathers laid the foundation for the many collaborative achievements and memorable moments between Malaysia and China over the decades.

"Thanks to the foresight of our predecessors and former leaders, Malaysia became the first Asean country to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1974.

"Half a century later, this relationship has flourished and the two countries have since shared many collaborative achievements and memorable moments," he said here on Tuesday (Aug 6).

Earlier, the Ayer Hitam MP was at the book launch of "The Story of China and Malaysia" and a forum discussion in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of Malaysia-China bilateral ties at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) in Bukit Jalil.

The APU China Students Association organised the book launch in collaboration with the Malaysia China Welfare Advisory Society.

Also present were Rural and Regional Development Ministry secretary-general Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar, who represented Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, MCA secretary-general and the society's advisor Datuk Chong Sin Woon, APIIT Education Group chief executive officer Datuk Parmjit Singh and former deputy minister Datuk Fu Ah Kiow.

The book, edited by former China ambassadors to Malaysia, Dr Huang Huikang (2014 to 2017) and Hu Zhengyue (2001 to 2003), chronicles the shared history, present cooperation and future vision of Malaysia-China relation, attesting to the vibrant and dynamic relationship.

"I was honoured to be invited to launch the book and the forum discussion," said Dr Wee.

Looking ahead, Dr Wee said the future holds immense potential for Malaysia and China as both nations continue to strengthen ties by exploring new avenues for cooperation.

"Let us continue to build on our successes and I look forward to a stronger collaborative relationship between Malaysia and China in the future," he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/06/the-future-promises-much-more-for-china-and-malaysia-says-dr-wee