Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized deepening collaboration with China during an exclusive interview with CMG and Astro AWANI, held shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Kuala Lumpur. The dialogue highlighted Malaysia’s strategic priorities as it prepares to assume ASEAN’s rotating chairmanship in 2025.
Anwar praised China’s role in advancing Malaysia’s development through trade and investment, noting bilateral trade reached $98.9 billion in 2023. “We refuse to succumb to external pressure,” he stated, underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to non-aligned diplomacy and free trade principles.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed plans to expand cooperation in green energy, digital infrastructure, and cross-strait tourism. He stressed the value of balancing major-power relationships while advocating ASEAN’s “centrality” in regional security frameworks.
With Malaysia positioned as a bridge between China and Southeast Asia, Anwar outlined opportunities in renewable energy projects and smart city development. Analysts suggest his pragmatic approach could redefine ASEAN’s economic trajectory ahead of the bloc’s 2025 integration milestones.
