MALAYSIA is hopeful that the upcoming state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping will serve as a catalyst for stronger diplomatic and trade relations with China, while also deepening people-to-people ties, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said on Friday.
“This is a great honour for Malaysia and I believe that we have a lot of opportunities that we can discuss, strengthen and build on the past achievements, as well as future opportunities,” Fahmi said during a doorstop session following his attendance at the ASEAN-China Media and Think Tank Forum 2025.
The high-level forum was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and brought together key figures such as Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching and Xinhua News Agency’s Chief Editor Lyu Yansong.
President Xi is expected to arrive in Malaysia for a three-day state visit beginning 15 April — his second official visit to the country. His previous trip in October 2013 marked a milestone in Malaysia-China relations, with both nations elevating their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Fahmi, who also serves as spokesperson for the Madani Government, highlighted China’s significance as one of Malaysia’s most important trading partners, adding that the visit comes at a pivotal time as Malaysia chairs ASEAN this year.
“With Malaysia chairing ASEAN, there will be much to discuss. We are looking forward to welcoming the Chinese President,” he said.
Addressing concerns around ongoing global geopolitical tensions, Fahmi reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to its independent, foreign policy grounded in principles of neutrality and peaceful coexistence.
“Malaysia, as a sovereign nation, of course, has its own principles and we have our policies that guide our relations with other countries and we stand guided, especially with some of our commitments as part of ZOPFAN (Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality) and also within ASEAN. We stand guided by that,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the challenges posed by rising protectionism and global trade disruptions — including recent tariff measures introduced by former US President Donald Trump — while reaffirming Malaysia’s resolve to maintain open and inclusive trade relations.
“As a trading nation, Malaysia remains committed to building stronger and closer trade relations with all countries,” Fahmi added.
Media, Think Tanks Seen as Key Pillars of ASEAN-China Cooperation
Meanwhile, Xinhua News Agency’s Chief Editor Lyu Yansong underscored the vital role of the media and think tanks in advancing ASEAN-China collaboration, through win-win partnerships and people-to-people engagement.
“Through platforms such as the World Media Summit, the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum, and the Belt and Road Studies Network, Xinhua has worked closely with ASEAN counterparts to report on China-ASEAN cooperation in politics, economics, society and culture,” he said in his keynote address at the forum.
“We are also engaged in in-depth discussions on global and regional issues, as well as China-ASEAN development cooperation, contributing to the deepening and expansion of bilateral collaboration.”
Lyu highlighted the release of Xinhua’s latest think tank report titled The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Maritime Silk Road Vision: A New Frontier for China-ASEAN Cooperation, which examines growth driven by the RCEP and outlines new directions for regional collaboration.
“This in-depth research explores development paths tailored to each country’s conditions and promotes inclusive, open, and mutually beneficial regional growth,” he said.
He expressed optimism for the future of ASEAN-China ties, stating, “With joint efforts from China and ASEAN, the RCEP will continue to thrive, while the prospects for high-quality Maritime Silk Road cooperation remain bright, injecting greater stability and positive energy into regional development and the global economy.”
Looking ahead, Lyu called for closer media and think tank cooperation, embracing artificial intelligence, enhancing research efforts, and deepening people-to-people exchanges.
“Let us seize this forum as an opportunity to build consensus, strengthen cooperation, and work together towards a shared future,” he urged.
“This forum offers a platform to harness the unique role of media and think tanks in building a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive shared home, and in scripting a new chapter in China-ASEAN media and policy cooperation.” – April 11, 2025
ASEAN, China, Fahmi Fadzil, state visit, Xi Jinping, bilateral, Xinhua, Lyu Yansong
