Scott No: -
Serial number: 2024-11
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: May 31st, 2024
Denomination: 240 fen
Designer: Ma Fenghui
Size of stamps: 30 * 40 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition: 12
Size of sheet: 150 * 160 mm
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

China Post is scheduled to issue a set of 2 commemorative stamps themed "50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between China and Malaysia" on May 31, 2024. Jointly issued with Malaysia, the stamp designs are entitled Pine Tree and Merbau Tree, with a total face value of 2.40 yuan for the set. The planned circulation is 6.65 million sets.

China and Malaysia officially established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974. As traditional friendly neighbors, the two countries have maintained a sound momentum of development in their relations. Trade and investment have maintained an upward trend against the current, and cooperation in various fields has continued to expand with remarkable achievements. In 2013, the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership, and the consolidation and development of this partnership have played a positive role in promoting peace and development in both countries and the region. In 2023, China and Malaysia announced the joint building of a China-Malaysia Community with a Shared Future.

In China, pine trees are commonly featured in ancient paintings and poems, celebrated as a symbol of perseverance, elegance, and longevity. The Guest-Greeting Pine depicted on the stamp has a history of over 800 years, stretching its branches like outstretched arms to welcome guests from afar. Today, the Guest-Greeting Pine has become a symbol of peace and friendship between the Chinese people and the people of the world. Merbau (scientific name: Intsia bijuga) is a large arbor generally distributed in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, and grows in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak of Malaysia. It can reach a height of 45 meters, with hard wood that is often used in shipbuilding and furniture manufacturing. Regarded as Malaysia’s national tree, the merbau symbolizes Malaysia’s achievements in the sustainable management and protection of biodiversity, as well as the importance of forests to the country’s industry and economy.

The stamps are created in the oil painting style, presenting the pine and merbau trees as lush, upright, and soaring skyward through well-spaced composition, appropriately shaded colors, and the interplay of light and shadow. The images exude vigorous vitality. Printed using high-precision multi-color offset lithography, the stamps ensure the accuracy of the patterns and the vibrancy of the colors. The background of the stamps is printed with spot color ink, while the title text and borders use 100% gold ink. The color contrast creates distinct layers, enhancing the depth and three-dimensionality of the images.

This set of stamps was designed by Ma Fenghui, edited by Wang Jing, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Co., Ltd. using offset lithography.