In a significant cultural initiative, China and Malaysia have agreed to jointly nominate the lion dance for inclusion on Unesco's intangible cultural heritage list. This agreement was formalized during Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Malaysia in June 2024, which also celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations [7abcbe2d]. The lion dance, with historical roots tracing back to the fourth century, is not only a vibrant performance but also serves as a public expression of Chinese identity in Malaysia, particularly in the context of assimilationist policies that have shaped the cultural landscape [7abcbe2d].
The joint nomination aims to enhance cultural ties between China and Malaysia while recognizing the transnational nature of Chinese heritage throughout Southeast Asia [7abcbe2d]. This collaborative effort follows previous successes, such as the Wangchuan ceremony, which was added to Unesco's list in 2020 [7abcbe2d]. During Premier Li's visit, a total of 14 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were signed, covering various areas of cooperation, including cultural initiatives that will remain effective until 2029 [7abcbe2d]. The lion dance, rich in tradition and significance, symbolizes a shared cultural heritage that both countries are eager to promote on an international stage [7abcbe2d].