CHINA-MALAYSIA VISA-FREE DEAL MARKS MILESTONE IN BILATERAL TIES

By Linda Khoo

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- The mutual visa exemption agreement between China and Malaysia, inked during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent state visit, marks a significant milestone in deepening bilateral relations.

Universiti Malaya political analyst Associate Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi described the agreement as a strategic move that facilitates seamless people-to-people exchanges and lays a strong foundation for closer ties between the two countries.

He said the visa-free arrangement also promotes broader cooperation, reinforcing the Malaysia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and carrying positive implications for regional cooperation and development.

Increased mobility, he added, is expected to spur Chinese investment in high-growth sectors throughout Malaysia.

“The agreement paves the way for joint cultural initiatives, such as the collaborative nomination of the lion dance for UNESCO recognition.

“By strengthening bilateral ties, the agreement also contributes to regional stability and ASEAN cooperation, aligning with both countries' commitment to multilateralism,” he told Bernama.

Awang Azman said the mutual visa exemption underscores the robust and evolving relationship between China and Malaysia.

“It aligns with the vision of building a high-level strategic community with a shared future, emphasising mutual respect and cooperation.

“The agreement complements ongoing initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, by enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration in the region.

“It reflects a shared commitment to addressing regional challenges collaboratively, reinforcing both nations' roles as proactive members of the international community.” 

Additionally, he added, the visa-free arrangement is set to significantly boost education, business, and tourism.

“It will ease travel, facilitate academic exchanges, and support joint research initiatives and student mobility, thereby fostering deeper educational ties.”

In 2024, tourist arrivals from China to Malaysia rose to 3.73 million, marking an impressive 130.9 per cent year-on-year increase, according to Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Mutual visits between the two countries have now surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

“The visa exemption also simplifies travel for entrepreneurs and investors, encouraging bilateral trade and investment.

“It complements the 31 cooperation agreements signed during the visit, covering sectors such as artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and agriculture,” stated Awang Azman.

Last Wednesday, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Xi witnessed the exchange of 31 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and documents spanning various sectors of cooperation.

Among them was an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of public affairs and ordinary passports, exchanged by Malaysia’s Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Lin Jian, said that the mutual visa exemption agreement would boost exchanges and cooperation, advancing the China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

During a press conference in Beijing on April 17, Lin stated that China and Malaysia share a long-standing friendship, similar visions, intertwined interests, and close cultural and people-to-people bonds.

“This move will definitely boost personnel exchanges between the two countries, as well as bilateral interactions and cooperation in various fields, and take the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future to new heights,” he said.

-- BERNAMA