Malaysian PM hails growing cultural, people-to-people exchanges with China

China

Malaysian PM hails growing cultural, people-to-people exchanges with China

2024-12-28 17:19 Last Updated At：18:37

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that Malaysia and China have made significant progress in promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges through initiatives such as promoting the lion dance and facilitating visa-exempt travel.

Earlier this year, the two countries agreed to jointly apply for the inclusion of the lion dance on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Both nations applauded the lion dance as a shared historical and cultural treasure and committed to preserving this cultural legacy together.

In an interview with China Media Group in Beijing, aired on Friday, Ibrahim emphasized the lion dance's importance in enriching Malaysia's cultural fabric.

"In Malaysia, lion dance [is featured] in always every single function. They (Malaysians) don't wait for the Lunar [New] Year. Particularly [in] the ethnic Chinese community, I always see a lion dance. Never mind the noise, but then it is enriching our culture. Malay Muslims are the majority, but it [lion dance] is part of the culture. We do accept it and embrace it. So when it comes to jointly promoting the lion dance with China, it doesn't come as a problem at all," said the prime minister.

Additionally, China has extended its visa-free entry policy for Malaysians until the end of 2025, and Malaysia has reciprocated with a similar policy for Chinese citizens.

Regarding the impact of these visa policies, Ibrahim noted that they have provided a significant boost to Malaysia's tourism industry, which saw a 186-percent increase in Chinese tourist arrivals from September to October this year.

"It is extremely or largely significant because it has propelled the number of tourists from China -- also from Malaysia [to China] -- but mostly from China because it is a big country [with a] huge population. I think [Malaysia saw] a 186-percent increase [of tourists from China] from September to October this year. So, it is something which is of great and immense help to the tourism industry," Ibrahim said.

Canadian PM says return to talks conditional on US 'right attitude'

In response to the latest U.S. tariff threats, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Monday that Ottawa would be willing to talk if Washington changed its approach and showed the "right attitude."

"When the Americans go to the negotiating table first, with the right attitude toward our industries and in a true partnership, of course we'll come to the negotiating table," he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump earlier on Monday threatened to impose a 50 percent tariff on cars, automotive parts and steel imports from Canada after trade talks between the two North American neighbors failed.

"On January First, 2027, Tariffs on all Cars, Trucks, both large and small, Automotive Parts, and Steel, will be increased to 50 percent," Trump wrote in a social media post. "Canada will be treated like a state no longer."

"Canada has been ripping off the United States of America for years," Trump said. "We don't need Canada, they need us."

In response, Carney said that he would not accept the attitude that "Canada is a subsidiary of the United States," or that the country should be disadvantaged relative to the United States.

For the latest U.S. tariff threats, Carney said he is not surprised. He said the United States is attempting to use unfair terms to dismantle Canada's automotive, steel and aluminum sectors. He made it clear that Ottawa would never accept such a move.

The two neighbors failed Friday to reach a deal to avert new 50 percent U.S. tariffs on select Canadian goods. The United States currently collects a 25 percent tariff on Canadian cars, and imposes a 50 percent tariff on steel imports from Canada.

Trump blamed Canada for the collapse of talks, alleging "discriminatory treatment" by Canada against U.S. alcohol, car and dairy products.

Besides the trade deal, the United States and Canada need to agree on revisions to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement, which Trump has refused to renew in its current form.