KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today underscored Malaysia’s strong sense of trust and commitment in its longstanding relationship with China, reaffirming the nation’s readiness to deepen cooperation in a wide range of sectors, from trade and investment to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
Speaking ahead of a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping at the Seri Perdana Complex, Anwar said Malaysia sees China not just as a close neighbour and friend, but as a key strategic partner, reflecting the depth of trust and collaboration built over decades, Bernama reported.
“Malaysia views China not only a close friend and neighbour, but also as an important partner through the comprehensive strategic partnership that reflects the deep trust and long-standing cooperation between the nations,” he said.
Anwar recalled his 2023 visit to China, lauding Xi’s leadership qualities and vision.
“When we met in China (in 2023), (President) Xi (Jinping) exemplifies a new type of persona, leadership who talk about growth and investment and economic advancement and alleviate poverty and proven,” he said.
Xi and his delegation arrived at the Prime Minister’s official residence at 5.05pm, where they were received by Anwar and treated to a cultural performance by the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA), before signing the guest book and proceeding to a closed-door meeting.
Also present at the event were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, alongside Cabinet ministers including Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
During the meeting, Anwar praised Xi’s concept of shared prosperity and civilisational progress, describing it as a rare and admirable worldview.
“We admire your tenacity and for that, Malaysians welcome you, Xi, not just as the President of a great country, but also as a true friend.
“We will work together in various fields of endeavour, in economy, trade, investment and new technology, including AI initiatives and all related methods that we have discussed for many years now.
“Xie xie (Thank you) for your leadership and friendship,” Anwar said.
This marks Xi’s second official visit to Malaysia in 12 years, his first being in 2013, amid evolving global geopolitical and economic dynamics.
Malaysia and China established diplomatic ties on May 31, 1974, celebrating the 50th anniversary of relations last year. Since 2009, China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.
In 2024, total trade between the two countries stood at RM484.12 billion, accounting for 16.8 per cent of Malaysia’s total global trade of RM2.879 trillion. – April 16, 2025