Malaysia – China ties: A signal towards collaboration of two civilisations
By: Jacob Low
When President Xi Jinping of China turned the longstanding adversaries, Iran and Saudi Arabia, from foes to friends, he did a great service to the world.
Since then, there have been fewer disputes among Muslim nations. Many countries have normalized their relations.
Many nations are now gearing up for extensive development, actively fostering economic growth, and ensuring prosperity for their people.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited China and met President Xi Jinping. They exchanged thoughts in the spirit of Chinese Confucianism. That represents a deeper level of cultural communication, where the spirits connect.
This transcends the usual diplomatic exchanges and holds extraordinary significance, with far-reaching implications.
The great rejuvenation of the Chinese civilization, intersecting with the world of Islamic civilization, will create a safer, more beautiful, stable, and harmonious world.
It embodies a vision of shared destiny for humanity, creating a better world, benefiting nations, and fostering win-win cooperation.
Currently, there are over 1.9 billion people worldwide who adhere to Islam, accounting for approximately one-fourth of the total global population.
Due to Islam’s encouragement of natural fertility and prohibition of contraception, it is estimated that the Muslim population is growing at twice the rate of the world’s total population.
By 2030, it is projected to reach 3 billion people. Additionally, according to data from the Pew Research Center, by 2060, there will be over 3 billion Muslims, constituting one-third of the global population.
As of April 29, 2024, the world’s population has surpassed 8.1 billion people, with China’s population of 1.4 billion and the global Islamic population of 1.9 billion, totaling 3.3 billion people.
When these two great civilizations intersect and integrate, it will reflect immense energy and endless business opportunities.
When co-creating a community with a shared future for humanity and recognizing that we are all one family, the convergence of cultures is like different melodies arriving at the same destination.
How to shoulder and promote this historical mission?
No one else is more suitable to shoulder this mission in the Muslim world, apart from Anwar.
It is also at an appropriate time as both China and Malaysia are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.
Jacob Low is a Malaysian who lived for over two decades in China before returning home.