Malaysia and China agree to deepen cooperation in maritime research, environmental sustainability, forest-fire management and marine ecosystem protection, while exploring collaboration in science, technology and natural-resource management.
Malaysia and China agree to strengthen cooperation in natural-resource management and environmental sustainability, with a focus on maritime research, science and technology, expertise exchange and marine ecosystem management. The discussions take place during a meeting in Putrajaya between Malaysia’s Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup and China’s Vice Minister of Natural Resources and National Oceanic Administration Administrator Sun Shuxian.
The meeting reinforces bilateral cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Malaysia and China. Both sides explore opportunities to expand collaboration in managing natural resources and addressing environmental challenges through research, technical expertise and the exchange of knowledge.
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Maritime cooperation emerges as a key area of engagement. Malaysia and China seek to strengthen joint efforts in marine research and ecosystem management while expanding scientific and technological cooperation. The collaboration is expected to support greater understanding and sustainable management of marine resources.
Malaysia also proposes cooperation with China in forest-fire management and cloud-seeding operations in response to the current haze situation. According to Malaysia’s Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, the proposal aims to draw on China’s experience and advanced technologies to address environmental challenges.
International environmental negotiations also feature in the discussions. Malaysia takes note of China’s bid to host the secretariat of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement in Xiamen. The BBNJ framework focuses on conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Kurup reaffirms Malaysia’s open position regarding China’s offer to host the BBNJ Secretariat and indicates that appropriate support will be considered in consultation with Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry and with regard to the interests of coastal states in the region.
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The discussions also highlight opportunities to strengthen engagement between the two countries’ environmental and green-technology sectors. Malaysia invites China to participate in the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference, providing a platform for Chinese companies and industry organisations to showcase technologies and solutions related to environmental sustainability. China responds positively to the invitation and commits to encouraging relevant industry partners to participate in the event.
The latest engagement broadens the Malaysia-China partnership beyond conventional economic cooperation, placing greater emphasis on environmental protection, maritime science, technology exchange and sustainable resource management. It also creates scope for both countries to develop practical cooperation in addressing shared environmental challenges.