Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing and Malaysian Ambassador to China Raja Datuk NussirWan talked about important issues in the South China Sea, Xinjiang and the United Nations.
The friendship between China and Malaysia has a long history and has lasted for a long time. Malaysia was the first ASEAN country to establish diplomatic relations with China, and 30 years ago, it was also in Malaysia that China and ASEAN began a process of dialogue. China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 12 consecutive years and the largest source of investment in the horse manufacturing industry for 5 consecutive years.
In the fight against the new crown epidemic, China and Malaysia have rushed to help each other, and the two countries have "seen the truth in hardships". Under the new normal of the epidemic, how can the two countries work together to cope with the challenges and opportunities of post-epidemic economic recovery and maintain the momentum of development of bilateral economic and trade relations? How should the South China Sea dispute be properly handled so as not to affect China-Malaysia relations? As developing countries, how do China and Malaysia view the behavior of Western countries in using "forced labor" to suppress enterprises and industries in other countries?
Recently, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing and Malaysian Ambassador to China Raja Datuk Nussir Wan walked into the "China-Foreign Ambassadors Cloud Dialogue" jointly produced by Global Network and the China Public Diplomacy Association and jointly planned by the English edition of the Global Times, and launched a "cloud" dialogue on bilateral relations between China and Malaysia, cooperation between the two countries in united and multilateral affairs, and international and regional issues.
The following is the original video interview:
The digital economy and e-commerce are booming, and the epidemic has spawned a boom in cooperation between emerging industries in China and Malaysia
Moderator Wang Cong: First of all, thank you very much to the two ambassadors for taking the time out of their busy schedules to participate in our cloud dialogue, this format is really very novel, and there are many such cloud conference cloud dialogues under the new crown epidemic. First of all, I would like to ask the two ambassadors, what kind of changes and challenges has the COVID-19 pandemic brought to the work of the two ambassadors? Is there any unforgettable experience you can share?
Ambassador of Malaysia to China NusirWan: Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to interact with you and my good friend Ambassador Ouyang in this innovative format. Your question was very interesting. Covid-19 is indeed the most important challenge we face in this period. It certainly also poses a lot of challenges to my work as Malaysian ambassador to China.
Before the outbreak of the epidemic, there were many exchanges between Malaysia and China, exchanges between VIPs, trade delegations, international students, etc., but now there are very few. This has indeed affected, in some ways, the further development of the already close bilateral relationship. But I think both China and Malaysia are looking for innovative ways to meet the challenge, as in today's interview. As vaccination rates gradually increase, China, Malaysia and the world will all return to normal. We will be able to solve this particular and by far the greatest challenge we have experienced.
Moderator Wang Cong: Ambassador Ouyang, can you share your experience?
Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing: I am also very pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the "Cloud Dialogue" activity today.
I arrived at the end of December last year, and since I took office, I have also been in contact with the Malaysian government, parliament, political parties, media, think tanks, associations and other people from all walks of life in various ways, and I have also deeply felt everyone's enthusiasm and desire to promote the development of China-Malaysia relations.
But it is true that due to the impact of the epidemic, most of these exchanges are carried out through online methods, so the offline communication methods we used to have had to press the pause button. Realistically speaking, most parts of Malaysia, I have not been able to visit, and many friends still do not have the opportunity to communicate in person. Diplomacy, of course, as the name suggests, has to deal with the outside world, and the epidemic has brought a new normal, and it has indeed posed a big challenge to our work.
But Chinese word for "crisis" actually consists of two words: danger and opportunity. Chinese also often say that the crisis is organic, then we also see that during the epidemic, online exchanges can be said to have spawned new areas of cooperation between the two countries, such as e-commerce, internet economy, including digital economy and other emerging industries, which can be said to be booming.
Then, flexible and diverse cloud exchange activities have also been carried out between the two countries in various fields and at all levels, maintaining the heat of people-to-people exchanges without decreasing. Rainbows and storms coexist, and opportunities and challenges coexist.
I think that as long as we are good at cultivating new opportunities in the crisis and opening up a new situation in the midst of changes, we will certainly be able to seize the opportunity to cope with this challenge, and it can be said that we will create more possibilities for the development of bilateral relations.
The Development of China-Malaysia Relations: Three "Particularly High" and Four Truths
Moderator Wang Cong: Speaking of bilateral relations, I was impressed by a recent description by Ambassador Ouyang, who mentioned the use of three "particularly high" to describe China-Malaysia relations.
The first is that the sense of mutual identity is particularly high, the degree of friendship between the two sides is particularly high, and the maturity of cooperation is particularly high. I also checked some polls, that is, some surveys by the Pew Center in the United States show that about 80% of malaysians have long been fond of China, and the two ambassadors can talk about how China and Malaysia maintain such friendship from their respective perspectives, and what are the highlights of this cooperation between the two sides?
Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing: Then the mystery of Sino-Malaysian friendship can be briefly summarized in four words.
The first is because of the depth of the history of both countries. Friendship can be said to span thousands of years. The Tang Dynasty monk Yijing, who traveled to the Malay Peninsula at that time, Zheng He went to the West, annotated Malacca, this story can be said to be widely praised in China and Malaysia, and Baba Nyonya is the best evidence of the blood relatives of the two countries.
The second word is because there is height. In the 47 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the leaders of China and Malaysia have always maintained close communication and exchanges, leading the continuous development of bilateral relations with frank political mutual trust and outstanding political wisdom.
The third word is because there is temperature. In the face of the epidemic, China and Malaysia can be said to have firmly joined hands to tide over the difficulties, and the friendly friendship has been further refined and sublimated. We carry forward the spirit of "climbing together in the face of mountains, crossing the ditch together", rushing to each other's aid materials, carrying out vaccine cooperation, and the two countries have also taken the lead in reaching a reciprocal arrangement for citizens of the two countries to be vaccinated in each other's countries.
At a time when global vaccine supply is tight, the first batch of China Kexing vaccines were also shipped to Malaysia in February this year. By the end of September, more than 36 million doses of These finished products and stock solutions of China's Kexing vaccine, Sinopharm vaccine, including CanSino vaccine, etc., had been shipped to Malaysia.
The fourth word is because there is heat. China and Malaysia can be said to be natural partners. In recent years, cooperation between the two countries in various fields can be said to be booming, creating many firsts: Malaysia is the first ASEAN country to exceed $100 billion in bilateral trade with China, and China has become Malaysia's largest trading partner for 12 consecutive years and the largest source of foreign investment in Malaysia's manufacturing industry for five consecutive years.
Malaysian Ambassador to China Nussir Wan: Looking back at history, Malaysia and China have always maintained good relations and have never had violent clashes or similar incidents. The two countries have frequent people-to-people exchanges, vigorous commercial and trade relations, and a rich historical foundation. More than 20% of Malaysia's population is of Chinese descent, which is also an important reason for the balance of relations between the two countries. They love Malaysia and have helped China and Malaysia to better understand each other. This is the second reason. The third reason, as Ambassador Ouyang said, is the strong economic, investment and trade relations between China and Malaysia.
Malaysia has always kept in mind that the South China Sea issue should be considered on the basis of the close relationship between the two countries
Moderator Wang Cong: It is true that from the answers of the two ambassadors, we can feel the friendly and close cooperation between China and Malaysia, but even the best partners are inevitably controversial. So I would like to ask Ambassador Nussyrwan, what kind of challenges or impact do you think the South China Sea dispute will bring to bilateral relations? How do you think the two sides should handle it properly?
Malaysian Ambassador to China NusirWan: There is a Malaysian proverb to the effect that even the tongue occasionally gets bitten by the teeth, which means that close neighbors sometimes cause similar situations. As far as the South China Sea is concerned, I do not want to classify it as a problem, preferring to call it a common challenge, a common challenge that naturally exists in the close relationship between China and Malaysia. No country in the world would back down in negotiations involving territory and sovereignty. This is not surprising in Malaysia and China. Different countries have different positions.
But I think the most important thing is: always remember that we have to think about it on the basis of the close relationship between the two countries. We advocate the peaceful settlement of disputes and believe that problems should be handled in a mature and responsible manner.
Malaysia has never seen China as a threat
Moderator Wang Cong: Recently, the United States and the United Kingdom and Australia established the so-called Augustus Security Alliance and helped Australia purchase nuclear submarines, which caused dissatisfaction in some ASEAN countries. I would like to ask Ambassador Nussirwan what is Malaysia's view on this? How much impact and challenge has the intervention of Augustus and countries outside the region caused to the situation in the South China Sea?
Malaysian Ambassador to China NusirWan: On the Issue of Okus, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Malaysia made a clear statement. We do not agree with Okus because it could trigger an arms race in the region and exacerbate regional instability. We insist on further reductions in nuclear weapons and continue to advance the process of nuclear disarmament. For these many reasons, we express our grave concern about this new coalition.
Malaysia is not the only country that has expressed concern. Similar concerns have been expressed in other regions, such as Indonesia. Although states have not made it clear, they recognize that containment strategies do not work. Malaysia has no intention of supporting containment measures, especially military measures, against China. As we all know, Malaysia has never seen China as a threat.
The Malaysian side believes that China has always acted in a responsible and transparent manner and has always been committed to the noble cause of promoting peace and development of mankind.
Malaysia expresses its grave concern about the Okus Alliance, reflecting malaysia's responsible position on this issue
Moderator Wang Cong: Ambassador Ouyang, how do you think China should deal with such external interference with countries in the region, especially the countries concerned?
Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing: First of all, because britain and the United States, as permanent members of the Security Council, provide non-nuclear countries with these nuclear materials that can be easily converted into nuclear weapons on the pretext of building nuclear submarines, which will create a huge risk of nuclear proliferation and seriously impact the international nuclear non-proliferation system.
Secondly, this move will also break the strategic balance of the region, saying that it can pose some real threats to the countries in the region, and it will induce some arms races in the countries of the region and seriously threaten regional peace and stability.
Thirdly, this move would also undermine the construction of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in South-East Asia.
The final word is that from the four-sided mechanism, Augustus is also an important part of the US Indo-Pacific strategy, it is a closed, exclusive small circle, it has a strong military security color, but also reflects the three countries' Cold War zero-sum thinking. So recently, Malaysia's prime minister, foreign minister and defense minister have also expressed concerns about this matter, which can be said to also reflect malaysia's responsible position on this issue, and also reflects the commitment of countries in the region to seek common development through dialogue and cooperation to oppose the creation of separatism and confrontation.
Political lies accusing xinjiang and Malaysia of forced labor continue unfounded
Moderator Wang Cong: Referring to external interference, Both China and Malaysia are facing allegations of so-called "forced labor" by the United States, which has tried to suppress the cotton and solar parts industries in Xinjiang on the grounds of so-called forced labor, after the United States seized some Malaysian products for the same reason.
Ambassador Nussylvan, what do you think of this kind of behavior by the United States? Have you personally been to Xinjiang? How do you see the development of Xinjiang?
Malaysian Ambassador to China NusirWan: Unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to visit Xinjiang, but my colleagues have been there. They witnessed the Chinese government's efforts to promote Xinjiang's development.
We have always disagreed with any state imposing its values and views on others. We believe that friendly relations between states are based on mutual respect and mutual benefit. No country has the right to accuse others. The conduct of a Government should be evaluated by its own people.
Now, some Western countries, in fact, many Western countries are self-righteous in judging other countries, including allegations of forced labor in Xinjiang and Malaysia, and accusations of environmental degradation caused by palm plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia. These accusations continue; again, they are not supported by scientific evidence.
Ouyang Yujing, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia: I have just listened to some of Ambassador Nussirwan's views on this issue, and in fact, I also agree with the ambassador's views.
In the process of contacting all sectors of Malaysian society, we found that many Malaysian friends have also been to Xinjiang, they have a more objective understanding of this issue, today's Xinjiang can be said, the overall economic and social development, the overall social situation continues to be stable, and the people of all ethnic groups also live and work in peace and contentment.
There is a proverb in Malaysia called "how to love without acquaintance", and we also want to welcome Malaysian friends to visit Xinjiang more after the epidemic is over. Go to Xinjiang to see, take a walk, you can also understand a more real Xinjiang.
China is playing a legitimate leadership role on issues of vital importance to all of humanity
Moderator Wang Cong: This year marks the 50th anniversary of China's restoration of its legitimate seat in the United Nations. Over the past 50 years, China has been standing with developing countries to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries. I would like to ask Ambassador Nussilwan, how do you view the cooperation between the two countries in the United Nations and in international affairs?
Malaysian Ambassador to China NusirWan: For me, this question is very meaningful. I have been working multilaterally in Geneva, New York and elsewhere for 16 years. Personally, when I worked at the United Nations headquarters in New York and the Geneva office, my closest colleagues were Chinese friends. Because we share the same position on many issues, we are all firmly committed to international law and the international system.
China and Malaysia are natural partners in many ways. Since China returned to the United Nations 50 years ago, the rules of the entire world have changed. Clearly, since then, China has demonstrated its unwavering support for multilateralism and the principles it represents.
With China's development, China has played a more active role in the United Nations and the multilateral system. China has also become the country that has contributed the most to peacekeeping operations among the permanent members of the Security Council, and its resources have gradually increased. China has increasingly actively contributed its wisdom and strength to the United Nations. China is playing a legitimate leadership role on issues of vital importance to all of humanity.
Major issues such as promoting the construction of a global governance system China and Malaysia have similar concepts and similar positions
Moderator Wang Cong: Can Ambassador Ouyang introduce the cooperation between the two countries in the United Nations and multilateralism?
Ouyang Yujing, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia: Well, 50 years ago, the 26th Session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted the most famous resolution 2758 at that time, by an overwhelming majority of 76 votes in favor, 35 votes against and 17 abstentions, and decided to restore all the legitimate rights of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations.
Among them, Malaysian friends also contributed a valuable vote. President Xi Jinping has pointed out many times that no matter how far we go, we must not forget the road we came from.
China and Malaysia are both developing countries, and in many aspects such as promoting world internationalization and promoting the construction of a global governance system, these major issues can be said to have similar concepts and similar positions. I also believe that China and Malaysia will join hands and shoulder to shoulder to jointly call for strengthening these international cooperation, enhancing international coordination, dialogue, not confrontation, unity, division, fairness, and hegemony.
Malaysia highly appreciates the Global Development Initiative
Moderator Wang Cong: President Xi Jinping put forward a global development initiative at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly. This initiative adheres to the core concept of people-centeredness, follows the action guidelines for pragmatic cooperation, and puts forward cooperation ideas on issues of common concern such as poverty reduction and food security, which is a major public good provided by China. I would like to ask Ambassador Nussirwan, how does Malaysia view this initiative?
Malaysian Ambassador to China NusirWan: I have carefully read President Xi Jinping's speech at the UN General Assembly. We agree with his vision. For it is clear that the purpose of the existence of governments and states is to raise the level of well-being of their people. All Governments need to put people first. Malaysia and China have in common in many fundamental areas, and this is one of them.
China is willing to work with Malaysia to strengthen communication and coordination on international and regional affairs
Moderator Wang Cong: Ambassador Ouyang, how do you see the future cooperation between China and Malaysia on international issues? How much room is there for cooperation and on what issues?
Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing: China and Malaysia are both emerging economies and developing countries, and they share similar positions and common interests on most international and regional issues.
In multilateral platforms such as APEC and APEC, it can be said that very good coordination and cooperation have been maintained. For example, on the issue of vaccine distribution, 75 countries, including China and Malaysia, recently co-sponsored a joint statement to the Third Committee of the General Assembly to call for vaccines as a global public good and promote the equitable distribution of vaccines in developing countries.
There is an old Saying in China that brothers work together to make a difference, and China is willing to work with Malaysia to further strengthen communication and coordination in international and regional affairs, adhere to the Asian values of solidarity and cooperation, promote open and inclusive regional cooperation, and also promote the early entry into force and implementation of the RCEP.
Moderator Wang Cong: Thank you Ambassador Ouyang, and I am also very grateful to Ambassador Nussirwan, today the two of you took the time to participate in our cloud dialogue, just now the two ambassadors also told us about the friendly cooperation between China and Malaysia, the two countries not only maintained a stable and healthy development in bilateral relations, but also maintained very close cooperation in regional and international affairs. We wish the two ambassadors every success in their work, and we also hope that the relations between China and Malaysia will become closer and closer, and the cooperation will become deeper and better.
Source: World Wide Web