MALAYSIA and China have agreed to accelerate the development of a ‘twin hub’ partnership between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, in a move to enhance regional connectivity and support the vision of an ASEAN-China Air Silk Road.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the cooperation reflects the shared commitment of both countries to deepen aviation ties and improve regional air logistics.
“Both sides are committed to a comprehensive aviation cooperation and will strengthen the technical exchange of civil aviation expertise, enhance aviation logistics cooperation between KLIA and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport to realise the common vision of a seamless Air Silk Road between ASEAN and China,” he said in a statement.
To facilitate implementation, Loke said both parties have agreed to establish a dedicated working mechanism and plan to host a high-level forum on air logistics cooperation, bringing together government representatives and industry stakeholders to explore practical areas of collaboration.
The announcement followed a courtesy call by Vice-Governor of Henan Province, Sun Shougang, and his delegation—comprising aviation experts—at the Transport Ministry in Putrajaya.
With a population approaching 100 million, Henan is three times the size of Malaysia and plays a significant role in China’s regional logistics and transport strategy, making it a natural partner for such an initiative.
The meeting came on the heels of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent state visit to Malaysia, and serves as a follow-up to key areas outlined in the Malaysia-China Joint Statement.
“Malaysia welcomes greater engagement and cooperation with Chinese provinces and cities, especially those like Henan, which possess strong economic capabilities and strategic positioning in key areas such as transport, logistics and regional connectivity,” Loke said.
He added, “We look forward to building a new model of mutually beneficial cooperation together. In particular, against the backdrop of growing uncertainties in global trade, both parties expressed strong confidence in the steady progress of Malaysia-China relations.” - April 23, 2025
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