From Beijing comes a heartfelt diplomatic note as Foreign Minister Wang Yi congratulates his counterpart in Brunei, Haji Erywan, on the 42nd anniversary of the country’s independence. This annual tradition reaffirms the deep-rooted friendship that has defined China-Brunei relations for decades.
In his message, Wang Yi emphasized the resilience of their traditional bonds, which have stood the test of time. He pointed to the successful state visit by Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah to China last year, a trip that saw President Xi Jinping and the Sultan agree on constructing a community sharing a bright future. That visit marked a new chapter, accelerating bilateral progress across multiple fronts.
Wang Yi pledged to work hand-in-hand with Erywan, using the leaders’ agreements as a blueprint. With 2024 marking 35 years of diplomatic relations, priorities include expanding comprehensive exchanges, bolstering cooperation, and intensifying coordination on global and regional matters. The goal is to make the shared future vision a tangible reality.
This congratulatory exchange highlights Brunei’s strategic importance in China’s regional diplomacy. As small but influential Brunei navigates its role in ASEAN, stronger ties with China promise economic benefits and stability, benefiting both nations and the wider Indo-Pacific region.