Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, marking his first official visit to Malaysia. During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the strength of China-Malaysia relations, highlighting their role as a benchmark for regional cooperation.
Li Qiang noted that over the past half-century, China and Malaysia have maintained a steadfast commitment to sincere friendship, win-win cooperation, and mutual learning, regardless of changing international circumstances. He stated, “China is willing to work with Malaysia to promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Asian values of peace, cooperation, inclusiveness, and integration.”
The two nations agreed to advance major projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative. They also plan to expand cooperation in logistics, new energy, artificial intelligence, digital economy, railway equipment, and poverty reduction.
Li Qiang expressed China’s desire to build a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, emphasizing the importance of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations. He urged both countries to promote the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and to expedite the conclusion of negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim affirmed Malaysia’s commitment to its friendship with China and to consolidating their comprehensive strategic partnership. He stated, “Malaysia adheres to the one-China policy, firmly supports the reunification of China, and does not support any words or deeds advocating ‘Taiwan independence.'”
Anwar emphasized Malaysia’s willingness to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, digital economy, education, and poverty reduction. He welcomed China’s application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and expressed support for major initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, such as the Global Development Initiative.
The leaders agreed to independently and properly handle the South China Sea issue by managing disputes, promoting dialogue, and sticking to the general direction of bilateral settlement. They also witnessed the exchange of several bilateral cooperation documents in fields including economy and trade, science and technology, culture, tourism, agricultural products exports, digital economy, green development, urban construction, and higher education.
Prior to their talks, Anwar Ibrahim held a grand welcoming ceremony for Li Qiang at the square in front of the Prime Minister’s office. The national anthems of China and Malaysia were played, and Li Qiang inspected the honor guards.
