Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent four-day visit to China and, his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping shows a shared vision which opposes protectionism, advances trade liberalisation, and promotes a multipolar world.
According to state media reports, China and Malaysia are poised to continue exploring synergies across trade, investment, communication, digital economy, and education, further deepening a mutually beneficial cooperation.
“The deepening relationship between Malaysia and China underscores shared values and mutual aspirations for inclusive development, good governance, and global equity,” says Prime Minister Anwar.
PM Anwar’s remarks were made during a series of engagements, including at a public lecture at Peking University, where the Chinese edition of his book Script: For a Better Malaysia was launched among high-level meetings with Chinese leaders.
According to PM Anwar, his interactions with Chinese President Xi Jinping were “remarkably inspiring”, praising President Jinping’s dedication to justice and multilateralism.
In his lecture titled Bridging Futures: Strengthening Malaysia-China Relations and ASEAN Centrality in a Shifting Global Order, PM Anwar lauded China’s advancements in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, green energy, and poverty eradication.
“China has the moral high ground to advocate the principle of a shared future, as evidenced by its remarkable achievements in eradicating extreme poverty,” says PM Anwar.
He highlighted shared principles of fairness, peace, and cultural diversity as the foundation for Malaysia-China relations.
PM Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China, aligning China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Malaysia’s Madani Economy Framework.
According to PM Anwar, the Madani Framework prioritises social justice, economic resilience, and sustainability—values deeply aligned with China’s vision for a shared future.
The Prime Minister also noted that the partnership between Malaysia and China has reached new heights since his official visit to China in March 2023. He emphasised Malaysia’s readiness to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, the digital economy, education, and other sectors.
“Malaysia is eager to leverage the platform of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) to bring more Malaysian quality products to China,” says PM Anwar.
He added that Malaysia values China’s expertise in emerging technologies and green energy. PM Anwar also highlighted Malaysia’s role as ASEAN coordinator for China-ASEAN relations, focusing on enhancing regional trade and investment ties.
“The foundation of Script lies in sustainability, care and compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity, and trust. The concept provides a framework for progressive governance,” says PM Anwar.
As 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations and the China-Malaysia Year of Friendship, both nations are poised to further enrich their partnership.
President Jinping emphasised the need to promote high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, and align development strategies to create new opportunities for cooperation.
“Standing at this historical milestone, Malaysia and China will continue to support each other in achieving development goals and contributing to regional prosperity and stability,” says President Jinping.
Both leaders highlighted their shared commitment to opposing protectionism, advancing trade liberalisation, and promoting a multipolar world order.
PM Anwar praised President Jingping’s initiatives as embodying wisdom and responsibility, reflecting the aspirations of the Global South and reiterating China’s commitment.
“Malaysia’s commitment to strategic independence and multilateral coordination with China to safeguard regional peace and prosperity,” says PM Anwar.
