Brunei–China relations

Brunei–China relations

Brunei	China

Brunei–China relations refers to bilateral foreign relations between Brunei and China. Brunei has an embassy in Beijing, and China has an embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan.

History

The tomb of Abdul Majid Hassan, one of the Sultan of Brunei, in Nanjing, China.

Relations between the two nations can be traced back to over 2,000 years ago when both started to trade with each other, as early as the Western Han periods. Some historians also suggest Chinese settlers from Fujian Province arrived in Borneo and settled in the area which is now called "Brunei" in the 13th and 14th centuries. While in the 15th century, the Sultan of Brunei at the time, Abdul Majid Hassan died during his travels to China, despite the Chinese emperor's best efforts to help treat the Sultan's illness. The Sultan was later buried with a royal tribute in Nanjing and continues to serve as a symbol of the relationship between the countries even today.

In modern times relations are not close since Brunei was a British protectorate, beginning in the 19th century until it gained official independence on 1 January 1984. During this time, there were also various concerns in Brunei particularly toward communism and its sensitivities to the ethnic Chinese population. By 30 September 1991, Brunei had become the last member of ASEAN to establish official diplomatic relations with China.

Economic relations

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

In 2011, trade between the two countries has increased to U$1.3 billion. The two countries promote practical co-operation in some areas such as infrastructure construction, agriculture and fishery. Some Chinese companies also have agreed to finance two projects in aquaculture and paddy production in Brunei which worth about U$10 million.

See also

• Ethnic Chinese in Brunei

Further reading

• BRIGHT FUTURE FOR BRUNEI-CHINA TIES BruDirect
• Brunei, China hail special relationship The Borneo Post