The sultanate of Brunei is marking 38 years of independence from British rule. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi sent congratulatory messages to the Southeast Asian nation. Xi praised its achievements over the years under the leadership of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. Over a phone call, Xi recalled the milestone 30th anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations. He said China attaches great importance to ties with Brunei, hoping cooperation in the fight against COVID-19 and the Belt and Road Initiative will bring more benefits to the people of both countries.