PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s four-day working visit to China, which concluded today, underscored Malaysia’s growing prominence in international diplomacy, rooted in principle and strategic engagement, against the backdrop of an increasingly fractured global order.
The visit included a series of high-level meetings with Chinese leaders and industry captains, and marked Anwar’s first-ever participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, held in Tianjin. He attended the summit at the personal invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The occasion was historic, as it marked the first time a Malaysian leader—and concurrently, the Chair of ASEAN—had been invited to the Eurasian summit-level forum.
Anwar used the platform to deliver a searing rebuke of Israeli aggression in Gaza and called out the United Nations for its failure to uphold its mandate and protect vulnerable populations.
"In the gap between aspiration and reality lies a shadow. It is worrying, as it allows injustices and atrocities to go unpunished," said Anwar during the SCO Plus Summit on Monday, speaking in front of world leaders including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
He warned that the breakdown of multilateral systems and growing distrust in global institutions had rendered the world incapable of preventing violent aggression.
"We are witnessing brutal acts in Gaza, Palestine—children and infants are being slaughtered without consequence, while the international community stands paralysed," he said.
Proposing a framework for global trust, Anwar introduced the concept of "sovereign interdependence"—described as "the art of standing tall without standing apart"—to promote mutual resilience without compromising autonomy.
"We must forge an interdependence that strengthens sovereignty, not weakens it. Interdependence should not provoke fear over diminished autonomy, but rather provide confidence that resilience is multiplied through connection," Anwar said in a lecture at Tianjin University.
This visit—Anwar’s fourth to China since assuming office in November 2022—reinforced the longstanding and close Malaysia–China relationship, which has been maintained since diplomatic ties were established in 1974.
While in Beijing, Anwar held a bilateral meeting with President Xi at the Great Hall of the People. Following the meeting, Anwar revealed that Xi had expressed full support for Malaysia’s bid to join BRICS.
"This is a significant honour and a strong signal of support for Malaysia’s continued relevance on the global stage," Anwar stated.
Malaysia currently holds partner status with the BRICS grouping, which comprises 11 member states.
Anwar also met with his Chinese counterpart Premier Li Qiang and was hosted at an official dinner at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.
Economic diplomacy remained central to the visit. During a business dialogue in Beijing with over 120 Chinese investors and companies, Anwar—who also serves as Minister of Finance—touted Malaysia’s robust economic policy, strategic infrastructure, and political stability as compelling reasons for long-term investment.
He also emphasised that Malaysia’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China had become a key driver for Chinese firms selecting Malaysia as an investment destination.
China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching RM484.12 billion in 2024, representing 16.8 per cent of Malaysia’s total global trade valued at RM2.879 trillion.
Anwar and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, departed Beijing at 1.58 pm after attending China’s Victory Day parade at Tiananmen Square and a state banquet hosted by President Xi, commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II.
In a separate highlight, Anwar had a brief encounter with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during the Victory Day parade.
"By coincidence, I met the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, who was also present at the parade at Tiananmen Square. We exchanged greetings and a handshake," Anwar shared in a Facebook post.
Anwar and Dr Wan Azizah had arrived at the square at 8.30 am and were received by President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan.
According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 26 foreign leaders attended the large-scale military parade, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Myanmar’s Acting President Min Aung Hlaing.
Tens of thousands of attendees gathered at Tiananmen Square for the commemorative event, which was broadcast live on Chinese state media.
The online reaction to Anwar’s meeting with Kim Jong Un was swift and largely positive, with many Malaysians expressing admiration for their Prime Minister’s ability to engage with world leaders across ideological divides.
"PMX is one of the best leaders in the present world—he can get along with all the superpower leaders," wrote social media user Shah Hussien.
Another commenter, Muhd Omar, remarked: "This is rare, as North Korea remains under UN economic sanctions. What matters is peace and global good—this is impressive."
Aziz Din added: "I’m deeply impressed by the Prime Minister’s ability. Keep elevating Malaysia’s name on the world stage—this is excellent for our investment prospects." -Sept 4, 2025
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