Joint ocean research to strengthen bilateral ties

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Malaysia and China have agreed to deepen their collaboration in maritime research, technology exchange, and marine ecosystem management following talks between senior environmental officials in Putrajaya. This partnership aims to enhance environmental sustainability efforts and includes potential joint initiatives in forest fire control and support for China’s bid to host the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction secretariat.

Malaysia and China have agreed to enhance their cooperation in maritime research, science, technology, expertise exchange, and marine ecosystem management, officials announced following a meeting in Putrajaya on Monday. The discussions took place between Malaysia’s Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup and China’s Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Administrator of the National Oceanic Administration, Sun Shuxian.

According to a statement from Malaysia’s Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, the meeting served to strengthen bilateral ties and improve collaboration on natural resource management and environmental sustainability. This initiative is part of the broader Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Amid ongoing concerns related to regional haze, partly caused by forest fires, Ambassador Kurup proposed that Malaysia and China explore joint efforts in forest fire management and cloud-seeding operations. He emphasized the potential to leverage China’s expertise and advanced technology in these areas to help address environmental challenges.

The talks also touched on international environmental governance. Malaysia expressed its awareness of China’s bid to host the secretariat of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement in the city of Xiamen. The BBNJ agreement focuses on protecting marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, such as the high seas.

Minister Kurup conveyed Malaysia’s open stance toward supporting China’s bid, noting the country’s willingness to provide appropriate backing. However, he added that Malaysia’s support would be subject to guidance from the Foreign Ministry and take into account the interests of regional coastal states.

The discussions highlight growing cooperation between Malaysia and China in areas of mutual interest related to marine and environmental sustainability, while also reflecting cautious consideration of regional dynamics in international environmental policy.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.