CGTN’s Li Qiuyuan recently speaks to Astro AWANI’s Farhana Sheikh, to discuss the development of China-Malaysia relations. Farhana highlighted the growing strength of bilateral ties, pointing out significant progress in areas such as trade, infrastructure, education, and cultural cooperation. #SoutheastAsiaTour2025
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00:00As Malaysia and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations,
00:03how would you assess the evolution of this relationship?
00:07That's a great question. I think it's really been quite a journey.
00:12Back in 1974, Malaysia really took a bold step to becoming the first ASEAN country
00:17to establish diplomatic ties to China.
00:20And since then, I think the relationship has really grown in so many ways.
00:24What started as a formal diplomacy has evolved into really strong partnerships
00:29that touches on everything from trade, infrastructure, education, culture,
00:35and even space exploration at this point.
00:38So China is now Malaysia's biggest trading partner,
00:41and the collaboration just keeps on deepening.
00:43We have a state visit by President Xi Jinping this April as well.
00:48So at the heart of it, I feel that there has been a lot of mutual respect
00:52and also shared interest in building a stable multipolar region.
00:57And as an Asian media leader, how can Astro Awani contribute to a more balanced narrative
01:02about China and China-Malaysia relations?
01:06I think for both of us, we play a very important role in shaping how people see the world.
01:12At Astro Awani, we're focused on going beyond the surface,
01:15so to give people real context, especially when they talk about what's happening in China,
01:19for example, what it means for Malaysia and how it fits into the bigger regional picture.
01:24So it's not just about politics or trade.
01:27It's also about showing human stories, cultural connections, and everyday shift.
01:32You know, through this partnership, exchange programs,
01:34and also reporting in multi-languages that we do here,
01:38we aim to bring in more voices.
01:40How about I didn't understand that it's not just about what's happening,
01:43but also why it matters.
01:46So we're hearing No Jiao 2 is making waves in Malaysia.
01:49How are cultural exchanges from movie to tourism strengthening people-to-people bonds?
01:55I mean, Neza itself, the movie, is such amazing animation
02:00and a stunning storyline.
02:03I have to commend, you know, Chinese production for coming up with this movie.
02:08And it's amazing just how much impact pop culture can have.
02:11The success of Neza 2 here in Malaysia really shows how Chinese stories
02:16are really connecting with Malaysian audiences, especially, you know, younger ones.
02:20Things like movies, apps, even short-form videos on TikTok,
02:25and even if you go even further, traditional Chinese medicine, for example,
02:29they all build this kind of curiosity that sparks interest about Chinese culture for Malaysians.
02:37And I think this curiosity often leads to people wanting to explore more.
02:40So we're seeing nowadays Malaysians traveling to China,
02:43not just to see the Great Wall of China, for example.
02:45You know, we're looking at more, less popular tourist spot here in Malaysia,
02:51making big waves.
02:53People are going to Xi'an to see, to explore the ancient history.
02:57They're going to Chengdu for the local food.
02:59So it's really a great example, I feel, of a soft power in action.
03:04Farhana, thank you so much for taking the time talking to us.
03:07We really appreciate it.
03:08You're most welcome. Thank you so much.