Sabah and China Continue Five Decades of Friendship

Malaysia and China, and Sabah-China have endured five decades of friendship and diplomatic ties.

Hajiji said Sabah continues to benefit from its strong ties with China, which remains a key partner in Sabah’s trade, tourism and infrastructure sectors. Beyond economic gains, strengthened collaboration between Malaysia and China, and between Sabah and China, would enhance social ties and build a lasting foundation of trust and shared progress that benefits both countries and their people, Hajiji added. Hajiji invited investors from China to explore the vast opportunities in Sabah, particularly in the Blue Economy, renewable energy, smart infrastructure, digital innovation, and sustainable tourism.

“Our bilateral ties have flourished through mutual respect, strategic trust and a robust, expanding economic partnership. The flourishing relationship is evidenced by our increasing connectivity and the vibrant and expanding business collaborations,” Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, said at the People’s Republic of China Consulate’s Chinese New Year reception on 3 March 2026 at the Magellan Sutera, Kota Kinabalu.

“We continue to seek and forge strategic domestic and international alliances to propel our development agenda,” Hajiji said. “May this Year of the Fire Horse that embodies strength, optimism, energy and determination foster a deeper partnership and closer collaboration between our nations, bringing prosperity to all our people.”

Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, Deputy Chief Minister II / Finance Minister, delivered the CM’s speech.