CHINA President Xi Jinping has affirmed Beijing’s readiness to finalise the long-anticipated upgrade to the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) agreement “as early as possible,” reiterating China’s support for Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN this year.
Speaking during bilateral discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya on Wednesday, Xi expressed strong backing for regional economic integration and multilateral cooperation.
His remarks came as part of a three-day state visit to Malaysia, which began on Tuesday.
“China and ASEAN will reject decoupling, supply disruption, and tariff abuse,” Bernama cited, Xi saying, adding that both sides should “counter the law of the jungle with openness, inclusiveness, solidarity and cooperation.”
He also stressed that China stands committed to working with ASEAN to counter global instability and uncertainty by anchoring the region in “the stability and certainty of Asia.”
The Chinese Foreign Ministry, in a statement published on its official website, noted that Xi had also endorsed Malaysia’s chosen ASEAN theme for 2025, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” describing it as a reflection of “deep insight into the current international landscape.”
The proposed protocol to upgrade the ACFTA, which was first established in 2010, aims to further liberalise trade, enhance digital economy cooperation, and improve supply chain connectivity between China and the ten ASEAN member states.
Xi’s visit to Malaysia marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations. – April 17, 2025
