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Interview: Welcome Malaysia to participate in China's Belt and Road Initiatives: Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia

Xinhua, January 31, 2015 Adjust font size:

As an important partner of China in the construction of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Malaysia enjoys all the necessary conditions to participate in China's Belt and Road Initiatives, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Huang Huikang told Xinhua in a recent interview.

The Belt and Road Initiatives were put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his overseas visits in 2013, which include the Silk Road Economic Belt -- from China via Central Asia and Russia to Europe, and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road -- through the Strait of Malacca to India, the Middle East and East Africa.

"In response to China's proposals, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said that these initiatives demonstrate China's strong leadership and commitment to a stronger and more prosperous Asia Pacific region. As a friend and partner in the pursuit of peace and prosperity in the region, Malaysia welcomes China's views, ideas and engagement," Huang said.

The ambassador said that Malaysia has incomparable advantages in the cooperation of the construction of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. "The relations between Malaysia and China were elevated from strategic cooperation to comprehensive strategic partnership during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Malaysia in 2013," he said, adding that the bilateral relationship between the two countries is now witnessing its best period in history.

Moreover, Huang said that as an important point and transfer station on the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Malaysia is located at the center of Southeast Asia and holds the Strait of Malacca, which makes its traffic very convenient. The two sides are also committed to build the upgraded China-ASEAN free trade area, he added.

Huang said that China and Malaysia also have solid foundation in their cooperation. "The economies of China and Malaysia have high degree of strategic interdependence," he said.

The bilateral trade volume between China and Malaysia has already exceeded 100 billion U.S. dollars, amounting to one fourth of the total trade volume between China and the ASEAN countries, he said, adding that China has already participated in the construction of some railway projects in Malaysia.

The ambassador said that the Belt and Road Initiatives do not only focus on the economic area, but also cover the fields of culture, education, energy and environment protection. "China and Malaysia have made some deployment for this," he added. Endi