China-Brunei relations continued to deepen and expand in many areas in 2024. Under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and President of China Xi Jinping, both countries deepened political mutual trust and expanded cooperation in various fields, taking bilateral relations towards the direction of building a community with a shared future.
Ambassador of China to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo highlighted the continued increasing cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and China at a Chinese New Year reception yesterday.
The ambassador highlighted key events last year, including Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attending the China International Friendship Conference and Vice President Han Zheng’s visit to Brunei.
He noted the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with Brunei Vision 2035, the progress in the Hengyi Petrochemical project, Muara Port expansion, hybrid rice trials and agricultural and fisheries cooperation agreements.
The cooperation in civil aviation was also fruitful, with a Chinese-made aircraft flying into Brunei, he said. Last year, the Chinese Embassy in Brunei Darussalam upheld its fundamental principle of serving the people through diplomacy, supporting the Chinese community’s self-reliance, unity, cultural heritage and integration into society. It also contributed to Brunei’s development, strengthened China-Brunei ties and advocated for visa exemptions, the ambassador said.
He added, “China-Brunei relations are entering a new chapter. Both countries aim to enhance high-level diplomacy, strengthen traditional friendship, build political trust, and expand cooperation for mutual benefit, bringing greater progress and benefits to their peoples.”
The Chinese ambassador also said that United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) had added the Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional New Year, to the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Legislative Council member (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee said the recognition of the Lunar New Year by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity lends the celebration a global significance.
She added, ”Five thousand years of cultural traditions continue to thrive. We must now shoulder the responsibility to promote and expand them.” Following the speeches, the ambassador led the way in writing Chinese calligraphy for Chinese New Year greetings with the special guests. The celebration saw performances of the traditional Chinese drum, lion dance, Chinese songs and Chinese musical instruments.
LegCo member Yang Berhormat Lau How Teck and Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin were also present. – James Kon
