The Chinese embassy in Malaysia hosted a vibrant Chinese New Year reception on Jan 24, bringing together leaders and guests from diverse sectors to celebrate the festive season.

The event, held at the Shangri-la Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, was graced by China's Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, who delivered an opening address highlighting the enduring friendship and strong ties between China and Malaysia.

Marking the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic ties, and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship, 2024 was a milestone year in the history of China-Malaysia bilateral relations, he said.

He highlighted how high-level exchanges in 2024 underscored this growing partnership. Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Malaysia in June, followed by visits to Bejing by H. E. Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, the King of Malaysia, in September, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in November.

Bilateral trade hit a record high, with China's official data showing that China-Malaysia bilateral trade recorded $212.04 billion in 2024 — a 11.4 percent increase from the previous year.

China maintained its position as Malaysia's largest trading partner for the 16th consecutive year and remained a key source of foreign investment.

People-to-people and cultural exchanges also deepened. In 2024, visits by Chinese citizens to Malaysia surged to 3.8 million, more than doubling 2023's numbers. Nearly 500 flights shuttled between the two countries weekly. Chinese students studying in Malaysian universities reached a new high of over 57,000.

Moreover, a recent public opinion survey revealed that 77 percent of Malaysians held positive views to China, which Ouyang described as a "a true refection of the tight bond between people of both countries".

"China and Malaysia are good neighbours, good friends, and good partners, who always come to each other for assistance in times of need and difficulty," he said.

In the coming Chinese New Year of the Snake, "I expect and believe, by continuing practical cooperation in all fields, we will jointly achieve more progress in building the China-Malaysia Community with a shared future," said Ouyang.

Looking ahead, he also expressed confidence in Malaysia's role as the 2025 chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), stating that the country would successfully lead efforts to foster regional cooperation and promote peace, stability, and prosperity under the theme of inclusivity and sustainability.

The reception was attended by prominent figures from Malaysia's business, cultural, and political communities.

Guests were treated to a series of cultural showcases, including energetic drum performances, martial arts demonstrations, a Chinese musical instrument recital, and a graceful qipao fashion display.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.