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 yesterday began a state visit to China by attending a meeting with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji; welcoming ceremony; meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping; the signing ceremony of memorandums of understanding (MoU); and wreath laying ceremony.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
MEETING WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS
His Majesty first attended a meeting with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing. During the meeting, His Majesty in a titah highlighted that the bilateral relationship between Brunei Darussalam and China remains strong, underscored by warm and close cooperation, and the Sultanate’s steadfast commitment to the One China Policy. His Majesty added that the Strategic Cooperative Partnership which was established in 2018, encompasses trade and investment, agriculture, fisheries and people-to-people exchanges, all of which continue to yield tangible benefits for citizens of both countries. The shared dedication in promoting mutual interests has further strengthened the robust collaboration and therefore, His Majesty looked forward to furthering efforts to enhance the bonds of friendship and understanding between the people and countries.
The meeting, among other things, focused on bilateral relations, where His Majesty expressed pleasure that Brunei and China have continued to uphold a longstanding partnership since establishing diplomatic relations in 1991. His Majesty also appreciated China’s steadfast support in the Sultanate’s diversification efforts, which have significantly contributed to building a robust and resilient economy.
In light of current global geopolitical uncertainties, His Majesty expressed the view that it is critical to safeguard mutual interests, especially in areas such as food security and sustainable economic development. Brunei Darussalam is therefore eager to further enhance economic ties with China, particularly in the agri-food and aquaculture sectors.
Meanwhile, people-to-people exchanges between the two countries remain strong and enduring; bringing the people closer together and allowing them to develop lasting friendship. To this end, His Majesty welcomed more Chinese visitors to Brunei through the visa waiver agreements between the two countries. In addition, the documents signed during the visit will solidify and extend strategic relations between Brunei Darussalam and China well into the future.
On regional matters, His Majesty expressed appreciation for China’s unwavering support and commitment to ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations in all aspects of the Community Pillars. Furthermore, China’s engagement in the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) was very much valued and His Majesty then welcomed more opportunities to further strengthen legislative cooperation.
WELCOMING CEREMONY
Following the meeting, His Majesty attended a welcoming ceremony, in which His Majesty was welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, His Majesty was then introduced to dignitaries from China, followed with the introduction of Brunei Darussalam’s delegation to the president.
His Majesty then inspected a guard of honour mounted by members of the People’s Liberation Army following the national anthems of both countries.
MEETING WITH CHINESE PRESIDENT
During the meeting, His Majesty in a titah emphasised that the friendship between His Majesty and Chinese President Xi Jinping has continued to grow, in which His Majesty was honoured to have been the president’s first State Guest in 2013. To this end, His Majesty values the friendship and goodwill extended to Brunei Darussalam and its people, as well as reaffirmed the steadfast commitment to the One China Policy.
On bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and China, the progress of the Strategic Cooperative Partnership towards a Brunei-China community with a shared future signified joint dedication to strengthening relations, grounded in mutual respect and trust. In this regard, the Sultanate greatly admires China’s numerous accomplishments, particularly its rapid and consistent economic growth, which has significantly enhanced the well-being of its people.
Under the leadership of the president, the Chinese Government launched several initiatives that successfully lifted millions out of poverty.
His Majesty then highlighted that this is an extraordinary achievement and extended warmest congratulations on these successes, which play a crucial role in China’s 14th Five-Year Plan.
Meanwhile, internationally, China has played an instrumental role in promoting global peace and development through various initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, in which His Majesty welcomed its continued success as a pivotal strategic and responsible major power. Thus, His Majesty also looked forward to continuing the close cooperation to enhance the valued partnership further and bring mutual benefit to the people of both countries.
The meeting, among other things, focused on bilateral relations of both countries, in which His Majesty further stated that Brunei Darussalam continues to benefit from robust cooperation with China in trade and investment, agriculture, fisheries and people-to-people exchanges. In addition, the Strategic Cooperative Partnership is practical, and the Joint Steering Committee is the primary mechanism for collaboration between the two countries.
As China is a top trading and investment partner, His Majesty expressed appreciation for its ongoing support in the Sultanate’s diversification efforts. Therefore, Brunei Darussalam is committed to building a strong and sustainable economy by attracting foreign investments, fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for its people and businesses.
The close partnership under the Brunei-Guangxi Economic Corridor and the Muara Container Terminal with Beibu Gulf, added His Majesty, will position the Sultanate as a potential regional logistics hub and serve as a gateway to ASEAN, the BIMP-EAGA and beyond.
In this respect, His Majesty expressed pleasure in the close collaboration to expanding agriculture and fisheries exports to China and looked forward to China’s support in establishing the Hybrid Rice Research Centre in Brunei Darussalam, aiding the national push towards self-sufficiency.
In highlighting the strong energy cooperation through partnerships with Hengyi in the downstream oil and gas sector, His Majesty expressed pleasure with the completion of the Phase 1 Project and the initiation of Phase 2, which will support Brunei Darussalam’s diversification efforts and enhance regional cooperation under the Maritime Silk Road Initiative.
The scholarships and training provided by Hengyi – which play a significant role in developing the country’s human capital – was also appreciated by His Majesty.
His Majesty also appreciated visa waiver arrangements for Bruneians visiting China and noted that Brunei Darussalam is progressing towards reciprocating these arrangements for Chinese citizens. Looking forward, His Majesty expressed pleasure with a mutual commitment to deepening economic, judicial, media and people-to-people linkages, as evidenced by the agreements signed during the visit.
These will underpin a strong and enduring partnership between the two countries in the future.
In the face of increasing geopolitical and geo-economics uncertainties, it is important to continue strengthening partnerships at the bilateral and regional levels, towards maintaining a free and open multilateral trading system.
His Majesty therefore valued China’s support and friendship under the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and informed Brunei Darussalam’s interest to collaborate in trade, energy and digitalisation to boost human and institutional capacities.
China’s support in establishing the ASEAN Climate Change Centre in Brunei Darussalam was also welcomed, by His Majesty.
On regional developments, His Majesty commended China for the mediation efforts and provision of humanitarian aid in Myanmar and expressed commitment to collaborating with ASEAN and external partners to support the political situation in the country, towards implementing the Five-Point Consensus, fostering a solution that is Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned.
Finally, His Majesty congratulated the Chinese president and China as APEC Chair for 2026 and extended an invitation for the president to make a state visit to Brunei Darussalam.
SIGNING CEREMONY OF MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING
His Majesty and Chinese President Xi Jinping then witnessed the signing ceremony of eight MoUs, namely:
1. Memorandum of Understanding between the Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China and the Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam on Judicial Cooperation
Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty was Chief of Justice of the Supreme Court Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong Wan Oon. Meanwhile, China was represented by President and Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court Zhang Jun.
2. Bilateral Cooperation Plan on Jointly Promoting Cooperation within the Framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Brunei Darussalam
Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty was Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah. Meanwhile, China was represented by Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission Zheng Shanjie.
3. Memorandum of Understanding between the National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Brunei Darussalam on Exchange and Cooperation in the Field of Economic Development
Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty was Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew. Meanwhile, China was represented by Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission Zheng Shanjie.
4. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Brunei Darussalam on Trade Promotion Cooperation
Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty was Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew. Meanwhile, China was represented by Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao.
5. Memorandum of Understanding between the National Press and Publication Administration of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of Brunei Darussalam on the Translation and Publication of Classics
Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty was Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew. Meanwhile, China was represented by Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the Chinese Communist Party Hu Heping.
6. Memorandum of Understanding between Xinhua News Agency of the People’s Republic of China and the Prime Minister’s Office of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam
Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty was Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew. Meanwhile, Xinhua News Agency was represented by President of Xinhua and Secretary of the Party Leadership Group Fu Hua.
7. Memorandum of Understanding between China Media Group and the Prime Minister’s Office of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam
Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty was Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew. Meanwhile, China Media Group was represented President of China Media Group Shen Haixiong.
8. Protocol to Extend the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, represented by Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board, Ministry of Home Affairs and Nanjing Municipal People’s Government, Jiangsu Province of the People’s Republic of China
Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty was Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman. Meanwhile, China was represented by Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee of Nanjing Zhou Hongbo.
At noon, His Majesty attended a state luncheon hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Prior to departure from the Great Hall of the People, His Majesty was presented with a photobook by the president before being bade farewell by the president.
WREATH LAYING CEREMONY
Next, His Majesty attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Monument to the People’s Heroes, Tian’anmen Square.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong; Vice Chairwoman of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Han Zirong; and Deputy Commander of Beijing Garrison Liang Feng.
His Majesty then laid a wreath at the monument. The Monument to the People’s Heroes was completed in 1958 to commemorate those who had sacrificed their lives to defend China from the 19th and 20th Centuries.
