20-9-2024 (BEIJING) His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, has commenced a historic four-day state visit to China, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two nations. The visit, which began on Thursday, 19 September, comes at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and represents the King’s first state visit to China since ascending to the throne on 31 January 2024.
The royal entourage departed from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Subang Air Base at approximately 9:40 am local time, touching down at Beijing Capital International Airport’s Official Terminal at 3:30 pm. His Majesty is accompanied by key government officials, including Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. Prince Idris Ibrahim, the Tunku Temenggong of Johor, arrived separately to join the royal delegation.
Upon arrival, Sultan Ibrahim was greeted by a high-level Chinese welcoming committee led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong. The reception also included China’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, and senior Malaysian diplomatic representatives. In a display of ceremonial honour, the People’s Liberation Army mounted a guard to salute His Majesty.
This visit is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China. It serves to underscore the strength of bilateral relations, which have flourished since being elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2013.
The itinerary for the state visit is packed with significant engagements. His Majesty will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, followed by an audience with President Xi and a state banquet. The King is also scheduled to meet with Premier Li Qiang and will visit the Beijing Comac Aircraft Technology Research Centre to observe China’s latest advancements in aviation technology.
In a gesture that highlights the cultural and educational bonds between the two countries, His Majesty will attend the naming ceremony of the Chair of Malay Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, an honour bestowed in his name. The King will also take the opportunity to engage with the Malaysian diaspora in China during his visit.
Datuk Norman Muhamad, Malaysia’s Ambassador to China, emphasised the significance of this visit, noting that it is the first state visit by a Malaysian monarch to China in a decade. The anticipation surrounding the visit underscores its importance in the context of the golden jubilee of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.
This state visit to China follows His Majesty’s inaugural state visit to Singapore in May, which was conducted at the invitation of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
