CHINA’S President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed the strength of bilateral ties with Malaysia, describing the relationship as “as steady as flowing water” and expressing full support for Malaysia’s bid to become a full member of the BRICS economic bloc.
Speaking during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s courtesy visit at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday, Xi praised the long-standing diplomatic relationship that has spanned over five decades, noting both nations have “stood firmly together” through a changing global landscape.
“China and Malaysia share a time-honoured friendship, one that is as close and continuous as flowing water,” Xi said. “Since the establishment of diplomatic relations over half a century ago, both countries have walked side by side in pursuit of modernisation, opening a new chapter in what we now call the ‘Golden 50 Years’ of China–Malaysia ties.”
Xi also expressed personal gratitude for the warm reception during his state visit to Malaysia in April, noting that it left a lasting impression. He conveyed his respects to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, and reiterated China’s readiness to deepen the high-level strategic partnership with Malaysia.
“China stands ready to work with Malaysia in advancing the building of a high-level strategic community with a shared future. This will benefit the people of both nations and contribute to peace and development regionally and globally,” Xi added.
In response, Anwar described China’s support for Malaysia’s BRICS aspirations as a “great honour,” stating that the endorsement reflects confidence in Malaysia’s global role despite its size.
“I deeply appreciate the sincerity of President Xi’s friendship and the honour he has extended to Malaysia,” Anwar posted on Facebook. “Though we are a small nation, our mutual trust and shared resolve form a powerful force for shaping a more peaceful, just and prosperous future.”
Malaysia became a partner country of BRICS earlier this year, and Anwar’s current four-day working visit to China — his fourth since 2023 — is aimed at strengthening economic and diplomatic ties.
During the bilateral talks, Anwar underlined the need to swiftly implement agreements made during Xi’s visit to Malaysia in April, which saw the signing of 31 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and cooperation agreements.
“Only through prompt action can this special relationship deliver meaningful impact to the people of both countries,” Anwar said.
He also pledged support for China’s flagship international initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Xi’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which was highlighted during the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
Anwar described the GGI as a timely vision for a more equitable global governance framework centred on people-focused development and practical outcomes.
The Prime Minister extended congratulations to Xi for the successful hosting of the SCO Summit and said that both leaders were aligned in their ambition to further strengthen mutual trust and cooperation.
Malaysia and China have maintained robust trade ties, with China remaining Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. Bilateral trade reached US\$106 billion in 2024.
Looking ahead, Malaysia is committed to expanding high-value exports in sectors such as electrical and electronics (E\&E), aerospace, pharmaceuticals, medical technology and oil and gas.
Earlier, Anwar met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, where both sides held further discussions on economic and strategic collaboration. The Malaysian delegation was also hosted at an official state banquet.
Anwar also chaired a series of high-level meetings with Chinese industry leaders and addressed the SCO Plus 2025 Summit in Tianjin. He is expected to join other world leaders in Tiananmen Square for China’s Victory Day Parade, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Commenting on the significance of the celebration, Anwar said, “This is not only about commemorating resilience, but also about educating future generations,” aligning the message with the values embedded in the GGI. -Sept 3, 2025
