The Malaysian Parliamentary Special Select Committee for Foreign Affairs and International Trade conducted a two day visit to Beijing China on the 5th and 6th of December.
We had a very fruitful discussion with China’s Deputy Minister for International Liaison Department, Mdm Sun Haiyan. We were also hosted by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Counsellor to Asia Department. The visit drew to a close with an Official dinner reception at the National legislature-the Great Hall of the People, hosted by the Vice Chair of the Legislative Committee for Foreign Affairs- Mr Wang Ke.
The Committee met with, among others Mr Ye Zhonghua, a Huawei Board Member at the Huawei Beijing Executive Business Centre, and also Mr Peng Xiubin, Director General of Bureau for Southeast and South Asian Affairs, International Liaison Department, as well as the Beijing Municipal Government’s Supervisory and Anti Corruption Committee. Aquarius
In all meetings, we reiterated our common solidarity with the Palestinian people not only against the background of the ongoing genocidal war waged by Israel, but also the longstanding fight against occupation and struggle for Palestinian self determination.
I also brought to the attention of China’s representatives Malaysia’s commitment to being a friend of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and supports China’s proactive leadership in global environmental matters. I reiterated Malaysia’s appreciation of China’s 10 billion USD special fund to the global community to accelerate the efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Taking cognisance of mutual concerns over security, sovereignty and potential interferences from extra regional powers in South China Sea, and acknowledging the ongoing efforts and discussion on an upgrade from the 2002 Declaration of Conduct (Doc) to a Code of Conduct, (Cox) cordial exchanges of views were made.
I put forth the goal of leveraging 2024 being the semicentennial of the establishment of Malaysia and China bilateral relationship to escalate efforts for the promulgation of a Code of Conduct for South China Sea during Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. This was welcomed by all representatives from China.
In relation to peace and security in the region, the question of Taiwan straits as a potential conflict flash point was raised. The concerns of Malaysians of the disastrous implications of a conflict in the region was communicated.
China provided clear and unequivocal commitments to preserve peace, by exercising wisdom and taking positive steps to strengthen the domestic bond between Taiwan and China. China also seeks Malaysia’s understanding of the domestic question of Taiwan for China can only be settled peacefully and amicably domestically without external interferences.
The Committee reiterated Malaysia’s consistent and longstanding adherence of the One China Policy as well as peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.