China and Brunei Reaffirm Commitment to Shared Future During High-Level Delegation Visit

Chinese Delegation Reinforces Bilateral Ties in Brunei

A Chinese delegation, led by Peng Qinghua, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China and president of the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament, concluded a visit to Brunei from Tuesday to Wednesday, December 10-11, 2025. During their visit, China and Brunei pledged to strengthen cooperation across various fields and promote the building of a China-Brunei community with a shared future.

The delegation engaged in significant discussions, with Peng Qinghua meeting Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah and Haji Abdul Rahman, speaker of the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam. Peng emphasized the long-standing traditional friendship between the two nations and China's readiness to work with Brunei to implement common understandings reached by their leaders.

Advancing the Strategic Cooperative Partnership

This recent visit builds upon a series of high-level engagements aimed at solidifying the strategic cooperative partnership between China and Brunei. In February 2025, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah undertook a state visit to China, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Zhao Leji. During this visit, a joint statement was issued, formally outlining the commitment to 'Advancing the Strategic Cooperative Partnership towards a China – Brunei Community with a Shared Future.'

President Xi Jinping highlighted that the joint building of this community aligns with the 'trend of the times' and serves the 'fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples,' marking a new chapter in bilateral relations. Earlier, in October 2024, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng also visited Brunei, holding talks with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, further emphasizing the strengthening of the strategic cooperative partnership.

Key Areas of Enhanced Cooperation

The commitment to a shared future encompasses broad areas of cooperation, including:

• Economic and Trade Relations: Deepening cooperation in trade, investment, and energy. This includes encouraging Chinese businesses to invest in Brunei and expanding exports of quality agricultural and fishery products to China.
• Development Strategy Alignment: Enhancing synergy between China's Belt and Road Initiative and Brunei's Wawasan 2035, with flagship projects like the Guangxi-Brunei Economic Corridor and the Hengyi petrochemical project.
• Emerging Industries: Supporting Brunei's development in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy industries to aid economic diversification.
• People-to-People Exchanges: Strengthening exchanges in education, culture, tourism, and sports, fostering mutual understanding and friendship. Brunei has also welcomed more Chinese visitors through visa waiver agreements.

Mutual Trust and Regional Stability

Brunei has consistently reaffirmed its adherence to the One-China policy, a stance appreciated by China. Both nations have also maintained good coordination in international and regional affairs. Discussions have included advancing maritime cooperation and consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, with the aim of building it into a 'sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.'

The Bruneian side expressed its readiness to deepen exchanges and cooperation across the board, enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and jointly advancing the building of a Brunei-China community with a shared future.