KUALA LUMPUR: With more direct flights, China will be allowing Malaysian students to resume their studies at universities in China as soon as possible, said Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.

The number of direct flights between the two countries would be increased significantly for the benefit of Malaysians and Chinese nationals, he said.

Wang, who is on a two-day working visit to Malaysia, said in a joint press conference with his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah that with the Covid-19 pandemic now largely under control, people from both countries would be able to visit one another like before.

It was reported on Dec 5 last year, when Saifuddin was having a talk with Wang in Huzhou, China, that Malaysian students would likely be allowed to return to China to resume their studies.

About 8,000 Malaysian students have not been able to return to China due to the Covid-19 lockdowns.

The pandemic has affected their studies as some are unable to attend practical sessions while some have been forced to quit their studies.