In 2013, when the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by the Chinese President, Brunei actively supported it, laying the foundation for deepening the strategic ties between the two nations. The memoranda of understanding and cooperation plans signed in 2017 and 2018 paved the way for achieving shared development goals in line with China’s “2035 Vision.” By transforming the historical legacy of the Maritime Silk Road into modern partnerships, China and Brunei have established an exemplary relationship based on mutual trust, equality, and win-win cooperation.
Over the past decade, bilateral trade between China and Brunei has experienced significant growth, increasing from USD 1.936 billion in 2014 to USD 2.805 billion in 2023—an approximate 45% rise. Brunei’s exports to China also surged, growing from USD 190 million in 2014 to USD 1.947 billion in 2023. Major projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, such as the Hengyi Petrochemical project and the Morla Port collaboration, have contributed to Brunei’s structural economic transformation, diversification, and the strengthening of regional trade. Additionally, new cooperative ventures in areas like the digital economy, green development, artificial intelligence, and smart cities have further integrated the interests of both countries.
Cultural and educational collaborations have emerged as key pillars of this strategic partnership. While Hengyi organizes joint training programs with local universities to cultivate skilled professionals for the petrochemical sector, representatives from Brunei participate in technical training and cultural events in China to enhance people-to-people connections. These initiatives reinforce the sense of a shared destiny between China and Brunei and support strategic partnerships that will continue to expand projects benefiting both nations in the future.