Malaysia and China strengthen port cooperation through new MoUs, boosting trade resilience and supply chain stability amid geopolitical challenges.
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and China continue to strengthen maritime cooperation following the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between ports from both countries at the China-Malaysia Port Alliance (CMPA) annual meeting held today in Nanning, China.
Transport Ministry said in a statement that the cooperation would create new trade opportunities and enhance the resilience of regional supply chains.
It said the meeting also witnessed the official admission of several new Chinese ports into the alliance, a move expected to expand the port cooperation network and strengthen bilateral trade ties.
In his opening speech, Minister Anthony Loke said closer cooperation between Malaysian and Chinese ports was crucial at a time when the global maritime sector is facing geopolitical challenges and supply chain uncertainties.
“The global maritime sector is currently undergoing profound transformation. Supply chains are becoming increasingly complex and vulnerable to external disruptions, particularly amid evolving geopolitical developments and shifting trade patterns,” he said.
Loke added that ports in Malaysia and China must continue working closely to address these challenges, including through platforms such as the CMPA, to mitigate the impact of geopolitical uncertainties, strengthen supply chain resilience and ensure the stability of regional and global trade flows.
Since its establishment in 2015, the ministry said the CMPA has evolved into a strategic maritime cooperation platform comprising 11 Malaysian ports and 15 Chinese ports, reflecting both countries’ commitment to strengthening ties in the port sector.
It said this year’s conference is being held in a significant year as Malaysia and China celebrate the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations, with China remaining Malaysia’s largest trading partner.
The ministry said Malaysia-China bilateral trade surpassed RM541.54 billion in 2025, accounting for 17.7% of Malaysia’s total trade, while more than 90% of Malaysia’s trade is transported by sea, underscoring the critical role of ports in supporting global commerce.
Malaysian ports collectively handled about 33.07 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, with Port Klang and Port of Tanjung Pelepas remaining among the world’s leading container ports, reflecting Malaysia’s efficiency, reliability and strategic position along major international shipping routes, it added.
