KUCHING: Bilateral relations between Sarawak and China continue to be strengthened by expanding cooperation in education, investment and welfare, thereby supporting the state's development aspirations towards more rapid economic growth.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing said the close ties are evident through the increasing number of Chinese students in Sarawak and the involvement of Chinese companies in various strategic development projects across the state.

According to him, many companies from China are now working closely with Malaysian partners, including those in Sarawak, to undertake development projects alongside a continued commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

“We have a very good relationship with Sarawak. Many Chinese students are studying here, and many Chinese companies are cooperating with Malaysian partners to implement projects in Sarawak,” he said.

He told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex on Tuesday.

The courtesy visit also involved an exchange of views on new cooperation opportunities between Sarawak and China.

Meanwhile, Ouyang also announced that he had presented the China Ambassador Scholarship worth RM40,000 to Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) to support students pursuing studies and academic exchange programmes in China.

The delegation also donated 300 spectacles to underprivileged students as part of an educational welfare initiative.

He stated that the Malaysia-China relationship is currently at its most dynamic stage, following a series of high-level visits including the state visit of President Xi Jinping to Malaysia and two visits by Premier Li Qiang this year.

Visits by the Malaysian Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have also strengthened the strategic relationship between the two countries.

“We want to continue to cooperate to bring Sarawak’s relationship and development to a higher level,” he said.

Also present was Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian. -UKASnews

Reporter: Grace John Lee
Translator: Ryan Lim 
Photographer: M. Hanif Suhaimi