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PRESIDENT of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, has embarked on a state visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. This marks his second visit to the country, twelve years after his last, and comes at a significant juncture in China-Malaysia relations as both nations celebrate over fifty years of diplomatic ties.
Just prior to his visit, Xinhua cited Xi writing: “As I return to this beautiful and serene country, I look forward to witnessing Malaysia’s new strides in development and to meeting Malaysian friends in celebration of our enduring friendship and in pursuit of future cooperation.”
China and Malaysia, he noted, are long-time maritime neighbours with a friendship that has spanned centuries. Referencing a well-known Malay proverb, Xi remarked, “Water though sliced, cannot be severed—describing it as an apt reflection of the resilient and ever-deepening ties between the two peoples.
More than 1,300 years ago, the Chinese Buddhist monk Yijing made landfall on the Malay Peninsula en route to India, recording the earliest known accounts of ancient Kedah. Centuries later, during the Ming Dynasty, the famed admiral Zheng He visited Melaka five times, sowing the seeds of peace and goodwill. Local landmarks such as Poh San Teng Temple, Bukit China and Hang Li Poh’s Well remain powerful symbols of the historic bond between the two civilisations.
Xi also recalled the contributions of Malayan Chinese volunteers during the Second Sino-Japanese War, when drivers and engineers from Nanyang travelled to Yunnan to help establish the Yunnan-Burma Road—an essential lifeline during a critical period.
“These remarkable stories still echo in the hearts of our peoples,” Xi said. “As we honour the past and look to the future, we must work together to propel this vessel of friendship towards greater glory.”
He emphasised the importance of maintaining strategic direction in the bilateral relationship, recalling the historic decision in 1974 when both countries established diplomatic ties amid the tensions of the Cold War.
“Since then, China and Malaysia have consistently supported each other on core interests and key concerns, respecting each other’s chosen path of development,” Xi noted. “Our relationship has become a model for how two nations can achieve shared prosperity through mutually beneficial cooperation.”
In 2023, he and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim agreed to build a China-Malaysia Community with a Shared Future, ushering in a new chapter in their partnership.
Moving forward, Xi called for enhanced strategic communication, stronger mutual political trust, deeper alignment of development strategies, and closer coordination on governance practices. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), he said, remains central to realising this vision.
The depth of economic engagement between the two nations is already considerable. In 2024, bilateral trade reached USD212 billion, representing a near thousand-fold increase since diplomatic relations began. China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.
“Malaysian fresh durians, a favourite among Chinese consumers, can now travel from orchard to supermarket shelf in just one day,” Xi shared, symbolising the modern efficiency of trade ties.
He pointed to the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), where total Chinese investment has exceeded 11 billion yuan, expected to generate substantial employment once its projects are fully realised. He also highlighted the vast potential for collaboration in digital economy, green development, infrastructure and industrial investment.
“We must strengthen cooperation in areas such as the digital, green and blue economies, as well as tourism, to accelerate modernisation in both countries,” he urged.
Xi also stressed the importance of people-to-people exchange in sustaining bilateral warmth. In 2024 alone, nearly six million visits were made between China and Malaysia, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Reciprocal visa exemptions have facilitated this rise in movement.
“‘Malaysia, Truly Asia’ showcases your unique cultural, historical and natural appeal, drawing many Chinese tourists here,” he said. “And increasingly, Malaysians are also visiting China to experience our rich heritage and contemporary charm.”
He encouraged continued exchange, particularly among youth, so that future generations carry forward the friendship with even greater enthusiasm.
Touching on global issues, Xi underscored the importance of China and Malaysia working together within multilateral frameworks such as ASEAN, APEC and the United Nations.
“China welcomes Malaysia as a BRICS partner country,” he said, describing this as a natural progression in a world where Global South nations are seeking collective advancement.
This year marks several major historical anniversaries: the 80th anniversary of both the end of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations, as well as the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. Xi called on all nations to honour the legacies of these moments by embracing the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit.
He reaffirmed China’s support for the international system centred around the UN, a rules-based global order, and open, inclusive development. Xi also reiterated Beijing’s commitment to maintaining the multilateral trading system and ensuring global supply chain stability.
“As a community with a shared future, China and Malaysia are friends who face risks, challenges and adversity together,” he said. Quoting a popular proverb shared by both nations—‘Berat sama dipikul, ringan sama dijinjing’—he captured the spirit of collective responsibility and mutual support.
Xi commended ASEAN’s growing role on the world stage and expressed strong backing for Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. China was the first non-ASEAN country to sign the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), and the first to establish a free trade area and comprehensive strategic partnership with the bloc.
“China remains ASEAN’s largest trading partner, with trade volumes reaching USD 980 billion in 2024,” Xi said, citing the successful conclusion of negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0.
He noted that Chinese cultural exports—ranging from literature and animation to film and television—are increasingly popular across Southeast Asia, highlighting a vibrant cultural exchange.
As China continues its path of “Chinese-style modernisation”, Xi said the nation remains committed to peaceful development and open cooperation. The Chinese economy, he added, remains resilient and promising, with growth targeted at around five per cent for 2025.
“Unity breeds strength, and cooperation brings shared success,” Xi said in conclusion. “China is ready to work hand-in-hand with Malaysia and other ASEAN nations to overcome geopolitical tensions and protectionist tides, and to jointly build a closer China-Malaysia community with a shared future.”
Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Xi Jinping will undertake a state visit to Malaysia from 15 to 17 April 2025 at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and will be accompanied by his Cabinet ministers and senior government officials. – April 15, 2025
