Deepening Strategic Partnership: President Xi Jinping’s State Visit to Malaysia

Malaysia-China Business Council (MCBC) extends its warm congratulations on the successful completion of the State Visit by H.E. President Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, to Malaysia—his first in over a decade and a significant milestone in the advancement of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

 

At the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, President Xi was received with full state honors and engaged in high-level discussions with Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and regional stability.

 

Key Outcomes:

31 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Agreements Signed, covering strategic sectors including:

• Global Development & Security Initiatives – MoUs on the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilization Initiative, reflecting shared commitments to peace, multilateralism, and cultural dialogue.

• Trade & Investment – Agreements on Trade in Services, Upgrading the China-Malaysia “Two Countries, Twin Parks” Initiative, and Mutual Visa Exemption for ordinary passport holders.

• Technology & Innovation – MoUs on Joint AI Laboratories, Beidou Satellite System Cooperation, and Digital Economy & Artificial Intelligence between Malaysia’s Ministry of Digital and China’s NDRC.

• Infrastructure & Connectivity – Cooperation in Railway Development and Standardization.

• Education & Culture – Partnerships between University of Malaya and Peking University, dialogues on Confucianism and Islam, and media collaboration between China Media Group, BERNAMA, and FINAS.

• Agriculture & Sustainability – Agreements on fresh coconut exports and panda conservation research.

 

Regional Leadership & Vision:

In his banquet speech, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim underscored Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair and China-ASEAN Coordinator, emphasizing the shared vision for regional peace, mutual respect, and equitable development. He highlighted the importance of fostering people-to-people ties, educational exchange, and sustainable growth.

President Xi Jinping, reaffirming China’s peaceful rise, positioned China as a trusted partner in an increasingly divided world—offering collaboration over confrontation. He proposed deepened ASEAN-China ties and new pathways in green development and digital transformation.

 

Economic Milestone:

China remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with trade hitting RM484.12 billion in 2024, or 16.8% of Malaysia’s total global trade. The agreements signed during this visit lay the foundation for deeper, more diverse economic engagement.