Xi Jinping and Anwar Ibrahim Strengthen China-Malaysia Partnership in Beijing Meeting

Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday praised the deepening relations between China and Malaysia, describing Malaysia as China’s “good neighbor, good friend, and good partner” during a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Beijing.

Xi noted that since Anwar’s first visit to China in March of the previous year, the two countries have maintained strong interactions at all levels, advancing mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. He emphasized that this cooperation has brought tangible benefits to both nations, with both countries being at crucial stages of national development and rejuvenation.

The meeting highlighted the opportunity presented by the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the China-Malaysia Year of Friendship to further solidify the China-Malaysia community with a shared future. Xi called for greater efforts to help each other achieve development goals and contribute to regional prosperity and stability.

President Xi stressed the importance of developing a high-level strategic partnership between the two nations, which includes strengthening political mutual trust, enhancing high-level exchanges, and aligning development strategies. He reiterated China’s support for Malaysia in maintaining its strategic autonomy and pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions.

On the economic front, Xi emphasized the continuation of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the implementation of flagship projects such as the Malaysia-China “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative. Both nations were urged to explore new growth areas in sectors such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy, as well as establish a poverty reduction cooperation mechanism.

President Xi also invited Malaysia to take advantage of the China International Import Expo to export more Malaysian specialty products to China. Additionally, he called for deeper cooperation in higher education, culture, tourism, youth, and local affairs to foster a closer bond between the people of both countries.

Noting the global period of turbulence and transformation, Xi stressed the importance of China and Malaysia’s cooperation as major representatives of developing countries in Asia. He called for stronger communication and coordination on international and regional issues, supporting each other on matters of mutual interest. Both countries were encouraged to jointly oppose protectionism and promote trade liberalization, while also working together to reform and improve the global governance system.

In his response, Prime Minister Anwar expressed Malaysia’s strong appreciation for President Xi’s vision, particularly regarding the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and the promotion of mutual learning and inclusiveness among different civilizations. He praised Xi’s insights and initiatives, which resonate with the aspirations of the Global South.

Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to deepening its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, with a particular focus on areas such as information technology, the digital economy, and energy. He also emphasized Malaysia’s position in supporting strategic autonomy and its willingness to engage in multilateral cooperation with China to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Both leaders agreed on the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional and global cooperation.