| Filetype: | svg |
| Mission1: | Embassy of Brunei, Beijing |
| Mission2: | Embassy of China, Bandar Seri Begawan |
| Envoytitle1: | Ambassador |
| Envoy1: | Abdu'r Rahmani |
| Envoytitle2: | Ambassador |
| Envoy2: | Xiao Jianguo |
Brunei and China established formal diplomatic relations in 1991. Brunei has an embassy in Beijing, and China has an embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan.[1]
Direct contact between China and Brunei began as early as the 10th century. This claim is evidenced by the archaeological findings of Chinese artifacts at Kampong Limau Manis, Brunei Darussalam. With more than 50,000 ceramic shards, dating between the 10th and 14th centuries, having been collected from the Limau Manis site,[2] this discovery could prove that Chinese-Bruneian relations have existed for a long time.
In 1932, China declared that its southernmost territory was the Paracels, not the Spratlys where Brunei has a claim.[3] [4] [5] They reiterated this in 1943,[6] but revised their position in 1947, where they officially claimed the Spratly, beginning a dispute with the territory of Brunei.[7]
In modern times, relations between the two nations are not as close since Brunei was a British protectorate, beginning in the 19th century until it gained official independence on 1 January 1984.[8] During this time, there were also various concerns in Brunei particularly toward communism and its sensitivities to the ethnic Chinese population.[8] On 30 September 1991, Brunei became the last member of ASEAN to establish official diplomatic relations with China.[1]
In June 2013, the Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark visited Brunei.[9]
In 2019, Chinese leader and CCP general secretary Xi Jinping visited Brunei. An opinion letter published by the national newspaper, Borneo Bulletin, hailed it as an "exceptional moment" in Brunei–China relations.[10] Many believe that further Chinese relations with Brunei would serve to help the country economically; for example, the establishment of Hengyi Petrochemical Complex and the setting up of StarCity Brunei have been cited as investments into the economy that would help to diversify the rentier state further.[11] However, China's growing influence is seen with suspicion by other external powers, such as the United States,[12] but Brunei is confident that it sees China as a strong and dependable economic ally and vice versa.
In 2011, trade between the two countries has increased to US$1.3 billion.[8] The two countries promote practical co-operation in some areas such as infrastructure construction, agriculture and fishery.[13] Some Chinese companies also have agreed to finance two projects in aquaculture and paddy production in Brunei which worth about U$10 million.[14]
The Brunei-Guangxi Economic Corridor was established in 2014, into which approximately US$500 million has been promised.[15] China is the largest foreign investor in Brunei, with investments estimated at US$4.1 billion.[15]
The Chinese Ambassador to Brunei, Yang Hian, described Brunei as an important part of the Belt and Road Initiative.[15] China and Brunei operate Brunei's largest port, Muara Container Terminal, as a joint venture between China's Guangxi Beibu Gulf Port Group and Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd.[15]
According to Chatham House fellow Bill Hayton, China is pressuring Brunei to allow it more access to Brunei's exclusive economic zone.[15]