China and Malaysia have signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption as part of measures to strengthen relations, the Chinese government announced on Thursday.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement by spokesperson Lin Jian, noted that the visa waiver applies to holders of official and ordinary passports.
The ministry stated that the exemption will “boost cross-border travel and interactions and cooperation in various fields, and facilitate the building of a China-Malaysia community.”
In November 2023, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced visa-free entry for Chinese citizens — a gesture China reciprocated days later, approving visa-free entry for Malaysian citizens staying fewer than 15 days.
The announcement of the full visa exemption followed this week's state visit by President Xi Jinping to Malaysia, during which he met with the King, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, and held talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The leaders witnessed the exchange of over 30 bilateral cooperation documents and issued a joint statement on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future.
President Xi made a three-point proposal on advancing bilateral relations: Upholding strategic independence and carrying out high-level strategic coordination; setting a benchmark for high-quality development cooperation; and deepening inter-civilisational exchanges and mutual learning.
The traditional friendship between China and Malaysia has lasted for centuries, and in 2024, the two countries held grand celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
