Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for enhanced cooperation with Malaysia during high-level talks in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, emphasizing joint efforts to advance key infrastructure projects and address regional trade challenges.
Bilateral Priorities Take Center Stage
Wang highlighted progress on flagship Belt and Road initiatives like the East Coast Rail Link and 'Two Countries, Twin Parks' industrial zones. Both nations agreed to expand collaboration in emerging sectors including digital economy and green technology, aiming to establish a regional innovation hub.
ASEAN Unity Against Trade Pressures
The dialogue expanded to regional concerns as Wang criticized recent U.S. tariff increases on ASEAN members as 'bullying tactics,' pledging China's commitment to safeguard multilateral trade systems. The completion of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 negotiations signals strengthened economic integration, with bilateral trade reaching $911.7 billion in 2023.
Cultural Bridges & Strategic Alignment
Upcoming visa-free arrangements and renewed cultural exchanges aim to deepen people-to-people connections. Malaysian FM Mohamad Hasan reaffirmed commitment to the one-China policy while endorsing Beijing's Global Development and Security Initiatives, stating: 'In uncertain times, true partnerships withstand external pressures.'
The meeting concluded with mutual commitments to transform leadership agreements into concrete outcomes, particularly in stabilizing semiconductor supply chains and advancing renewable energy projects across Southeast Asia.
