China and Malaysia discuss trade, infrastructure, AI, semiconductors and new-energy vehicles as Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim seek to deepen economic and strategic cooperation.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Hangzhou, with the two sides discussing trade, infrastructure and cooperation in emerging industries as Beijing and Kuala Lumpur seek to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.
The meeting took place during Anwar’s working visit to China, where he attended the opening ceremonies of the WorldSkills Competition and the Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou. Li said China is willing to work with Malaysia to strengthen economic cooperation and advance the development of a high-level strategic community with a shared future.
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Li highlighted the complementary strengths of the two economies and called for deeper cooperation under the Belt and Road framework. Particular attention was given to major infrastructure projects, including the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), as well as efforts to improve market connectivity and expand bilateral trade.
The Chinese premier also proposed stronger cooperation in emerging industries, including artificial intelligence, new energy vehicles and semiconductors. China said it would encourage more Chinese companies to invest in Malaysia, while also emphasising the importance of businesses operating in compliance with local regulations and contributing to the local market.
Anwar said Malaysia attaches importance to its comprehensive strategic partnership with China and is prepared to implement agreements and understandings reached by the two countries' leaders. He identified infrastructure and artificial intelligence as areas for practical cooperation and said Malaysia would continue supporting Chinese companies seeking to invest and operate in the country.
The discussions also covered artificial intelligence governance. Anwar expressed support for China's proposal to strengthen international cooperation on AI governance and welcomed China's role in discussions on global governance and the interests of developing countries.
The meeting comes as Malaysia and China expand cooperation beyond traditional trade and infrastructure into technology-intensive sectors. Malaysia's recent engagement with Chinese companies has also included areas such as digital technology, robotics, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing and semiconductors. During Anwar's September visit, Malaysian officials reported potential investment and export opportunities involving Chinese companies across several of these sectors.
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Li and Anwar also discussed broader regional and international cooperation. Both sides expressed support for continued coordination and for strengthening regional development and connectivity.
The latest talks add to efforts by Beijing and Kuala Lumpur to expand economic links while developing cooperation in infrastructure, digital technology and other emerging industries.