- Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with China.
- Anwar, Xi discuss fast-tracking bilateral agreements and cooperation.
- China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 years.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated his belief that Malaysia-China relations will keep improving. The prime minister stated that Malaysia appreciates its close relationship with China, emphasizing the nation's dedication to enhancing bilateral ties.
“We want to make sure that what was agreed upon will be implemented at the fast track, because I want this special strategic, comprehensive relation to really work,” he told Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Anwar made this remark during a courtesy visit with Xi at the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan was also in attendance. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping for the invitation to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus Summit in Tianjin on Monday.
“For me personally, of course, it is a great honour to be given the opportunity to participate in the deliberations of the SCO, which is important to us,” he said.
Also Read: US Revokes TSMC, SK Hynix, Samsung Fast-Track China Export Status
On May 31, 1974, Malaysia established diplomatic relations with China. In 2013, these relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that has since developed into all areas, including politics, trade, education, society, and culture.
For 16 years, since 2009, China has been Malaysia's biggest trading partner. The total commerce between the two nations is estimated at RM484.12 billion in 2024, accounting for 16.8% of Malaysia’s overall global trade (RM2.879 trillion).
The meeting highlights Malaysia’s collaborative projects with China, prioritizing basic execution of agreements and developing partnerships in trade, education and culture to increase their long-lasting strategic partnership.