PM Anwar reaffirms deep trust in ties with China, praises Xi’s leadership

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Malaysia-China Relations Enter ‘Golden Era’ as Anwar Reaffirms Trust, Praises Xi’s Vision During Hangzhou Summit

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today declared Malaysia’s partnership with China as one of "deep-rooted trust and mutual confidence," transcending conventional diplomacy, during a high-level bilateral meeting in Hangzhou that underscored Beijing’s role in Kuala Lumpur’s economic and geopolitical strategy.

The remarks, delivered alongside Chinese Premier Li Qiang, marked the culmination of Anwar’s three-day working visit—his fourth since assuming office in 2022—and signaled Malaysia’s commitment to deepening ties amid global uncertainty, particularly in digital trade, AI, and shared governance models favored by President Xi Jinping.

The meeting, which lasted 50 minutes before adjourning to a luncheon hosted by Li, came as both nations reaffirmed their intent to elevate bilateral cooperation into a "China-Malaysia community," aligning with Xi’s vision of a "Golden 50 Years" of partnership launched during his April state visit.

With China remaining Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years—bilateral trade hitting US$113.82 billion (RM456.68 billion) in the first eight months of 2024 alone—the summit highlighted how economic interdependence is now underpinned by political trust, even as regional tensions, including the South China Sea dispute, test alliances.

Anwar’s opening remarks framed the relationship as one built on "honored commitments," directly addressing frequent media scrutiny over Malaysia’s stance on China. "Every time they interview me, they ask about our relationship with China... but Premier Li Qiang, please accept this with all sincerity, that we value this friendship and we see that you honour your commitment," he stated, emphasizing Malaysia’s unique perspective on Beijing’s regional role.

His praise extended to Xi’s leadership, particularly in advancing shared prosperity, ethical governance, and narrowing the digital divide for developing nations—a priority reflected in Hangzhou’s emergence as a global AI and digital innovation hub.

Li reciprocated by positioning Malaysia-China relations as a cornerstone of Beijing’s neighborhood diplomacy, arguing that close coordination between the two countries could mitigate global instability. He cited Xi’s state visit as a turning point, describing it as the "opening of a new Golden 50 Years" in bilateral ties.

Concrete areas for collaboration were outlined, including science and technology, digital trade, and vocational skills development, with Li pledging China’s readiness to "work hand in hand" with Malaysia to strengthen political trust and economic synergy.

The visit’s timing and Anwar’s attendance at events in Shanghai and Hangzhou—both AI and digital trade powerhouses—underscored Malaysia’s strategic focus on leveraging China’s technological leadership. Anwar specifically commended Li’s contributions to regional development, signaling Kuala Lumpur’s eagerness to align with China’s digital infrastructure initiatives, which could include Malaysia’s own National Digital Transformation Policy (NDTP) and efforts to bridge its digital divide.

The delegation’s inclusion of Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail further indicated the visit’s breadth, spanning economic, security, and technological cooperation.

Economically, the figures speak for themselves: China’s dominance as Malaysia’s top trading partner—sustained for over a decade—reflects a relationship that has weathered global shifts, from the US-China trade war to supply chain disruptions. The RM456.68 billion (US$113.82 billion) trade volume for January-August 2024 alone underscores the scale of interdependence, with Malaysian exports to China including electronics, palm oil, and liquefied natural gas (LNG), while imports range from machinery to pharmaceuticals.

Analysts and industry observers have long noted that Malaysia’s economic resilience, particularly in manufacturing and services, is increasingly tied to China’s demand cycles.

Yet beyond trade, Anwar’s emphasis on shared governance values and ethical development suggests a deeper ideological alignment with Beijing’s vision of a multipolar world order. This resonates with Malaysia’s non-aligned foreign policy stance, which has sought to balance relations with Western powers while deepening ties with Asia’s rising economies.

The mention of the South China Sea—where Malaysia maintains a neutral but pragmatic approach—further highlights how Kuala Lumpur navigates its relationships based on mutual benefit rather than ideological alignment.

The Hangzhou meeting also served as a platform for Anwar to reinforce Malaysia’s role as a bridge between China and other Global South nations. His praise for China’s leadership in global discussions aligns with Malaysia’s diplomatic efforts to position itself as a mediator in regional forums, particularly the ASEAN bloc, where China’s influence is both a driver of economic integration and a source of geopolitical tension.

The reference to digital trade and vocational skills cooperation points to potential collaborations in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), though Malaysia has historically been cautious about debt sustainability concerns linked to BRI projects.

As the meeting concluded, both leaders expressed confidence in the trajectory of bilateral relations, with substantive discussions expected to follow. Anwar’s delegation’s presence in Hangzhou—home to the G20 summit and a hub for AI innovation—also suggests Malaysia’s intent to align with China’s tech-driven economic agenda, potentially through partnerships in 5G networks, fintech, and smart city development.

The luncheon hosted by Li marked the final official engagement of Anwar’s visit, but the momentum for collaboration appears set to accelerate, with both nations poised to translate political trust into tangible economic and technological outcomes.

With Anwar’s visit marking his fourth to China since 2022, the frequency of high-level exchanges signals a relationship that has evolved beyond transactional economics into a strategic partnership rooted in mutual respect. The "Golden 50 Years" narrative, echoed by both leaders, positions Malaysia-China ties as a model for South-South cooperation, one that could serve as a template for other ASEAN nations navigating their own relationships with Beijing.

As global uncertainties persist, the Hangzhou summit’s emphasis on certainty through coordination may well define the next chapter in this enduring alliance.