On January 24, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia hosted a Spring Festival reception to celebrate the Year of the Snake. The event was attended by over a thousand guests, including Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives, Johari Abdul, Malaysian government officials, political leaders, diplomats, overseas Chinese, Chinese enterprises in Malaysia, and Chinese students, all gathered to usher in the Chinese New Year.
In his speech, Ambassador Ouyang extended New Year’s greetings to all guests and highlighted the major achievements of China in 2024. He mentioned the success of the 20th Central Committee’s Third Plenary Session, which introduced over 300 important reform measures, marking a new phase in China’s modernization. Ambassador Ouyang emphasized China’s continued growth, citing the implementation of a series of economic policies aimed at boosting recovery, with GDP growing by 5%. He also highlighted breakthroughs in high-tech fields such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and quantum communications.
2024 is a significant year for China-Malaysia relations as it marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the “China-Malaysia Friendship Year.” Ambassador Ouyang noted that the bilateral trade between China and Malaysia reached a record high of $212.04 billion, an 11.4% increase from the previous year. China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with cultural exchanges deepening and mutual goodwill growing. According to a public opinion poll, 77% of Malaysians hold favorable views toward China.
Ambassador Ouyang quoted a Malaysian proverb, “When we encounter mountains, we climb together; when we encounter rivers, we cross together,” emphasizing that China and Malaysia are good neighbors, friends, and partners. He expressed his hopes for continued practical cooperation in various fields and wished Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair, success in leading regional cooperation in a spirit of “inclusivity and sustainability,” contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Deputy Speaker Johari Abdul spoke about the enduring development of Malaysia-China relations over the past 51 years, particularly in economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and other sectors. He highlighted Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair and its efforts to promote cooperation through initiatives like the Belt and Road. He also wished for a year filled with wisdom, harmony, and success, extending his best wishes for the lasting friendship between Malaysia and China.
The reception featured a variety of performances, including Chinese drumming, martial arts, traditional music, a qipao fashion show, and a special performance by famous singer Cai Guoqing, who sang representative works and offered his blessings. The venue was beautifully decorated with lanterns and vibrant atmosphere, where guests celebrated the festival together and wished for continued prosperity and the further development of China-Malaysia relations.
The President of the Malaysia Jiangsu Entrepreneurs Business Association, Sun Jianwei, was invited to attend, accompanied by Vice President Wang Xingyao and representative from member enterprises, Feng Yun.
