Sabah’s Role in Strengthening Malaysia-China Ties

Diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China are relatively recent, but the ties between Sabah and China were longer. “These maritime connections have enabled trading; and bonding of cultures, which remains meaningful to this day.”

“For centuries, coastal communities of Borneo and communities along southern China and other parts of Southeast Asia have engaged in maritime trade,” Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said at a reception marking the 77th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China on 22nd September 2026 at the Magellan Sutera Resort, Kota Kinabalu.

Sabah is geographically well positioned to serve as an important bridge for deeper Malaysia–China cooperation, Hajiji added. “China is one of Sabah’s most important trading partners, with cooperation encompassing commodities, agriculture, fisheries, manufactured products, tourism and services,” Hajiji said. “Chinese companies operating in Sabah have contributed to economic development, employment creation, infrastructure development and stronger business linkages. By aligning Sabah’s economic strengths with China’s expertise, investment capacity, and technological capabilities, we can create meaningful and mutually beneficial outcomes.”

Beyond economic cooperation, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges, Sabah and China must explore and expand cooperation in language programmes, cultural performances, youth activities, and science and technology, Hajiji said. Sabah remains committed to supporting Malaysia’s strong and constructive relationship with China, while advancing the state’s own priorities under the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 development agenda, the CM added.

Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Deputy Chief Minister, delivered the Chief Minister's speech.