In accord: Xi and Anwar after witnessing a fruitful Exchange of Agreement session between the two countries at Seri Perdana on April 16. — AP
WHEN Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to Malaysia recently for a state visit after more than a decade, it must have been a nostalgic moment for the leader, as much has changed for him, Malaysia, and China in the past 12 years.
Nostalgia often invokes positive emotions, offering a sense of continuity, meaning, and connection. I believe Xi felt this with Malaysia during his recent visit, and it was evident in his opening remarks at a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“This marks my return to Malaysia after 12 years, during which the nation has achieved remarkable progress in its development. Your Madani Government is steadily becoming a promising reality, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations,” Xi said.
Reflecting on the rich tapestry of historical ties between the two nations, Xi recalled the legendary voyages of Admiral Zheng He to Melaka in the 15th century, and the establishment of modern diplomatic relations over five decades ago in defiance of Cold War tensions at the time.
“Today, our two countries are working in unity to jointly build a community with a shared future. China-Malaysia relations are entering a new golden era,” he said, highlighting the deepening friendship between the two countries.
Building networks
Xi’s visit was relatively subdued this time, reflecting the current complexities China is facing, particularly in light of US tariffs and sanctions.
However, the underlying theme of resilience and strategic diplomacy was apparent.
Invited by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, Xi’s presence from April 15 to 17 highlighted China’s determination to maintain and strengthen international relationships despite mounting external pressures.
The US measures aim to limit China’s technological advancements and limit its influence in key economic sectors. In response, China has chosen to demonstrate its resilience by strengthening ties with strategic partners like Malaysia. The timing of the visit, just days after the US announced new tariffs, seems very much a calculated move to showcase China’s ability to navigate these economic challenges.
By reinforcing partnerships in South-East Asia, China is diversifying its economic alliances and sending a message of defiance in the face of American attempts to isolate it on the global stage.
Xi’s visit highlighted China’s strategy of building robust trade networks outside Western influence, reducing vulnerability to unilateral economic pressures.
China’s resilience is also evident in its pursuit of long-term goals. Despite immediate economic challenges, China continues to invest heavily in initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to create a vast network of trade routes and partnerships across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
For China, these efforts are not just about economic survival but also about asserting sovereignty and strategic autonomy, resisting external attempts to dictate its policies.
‘Fierce independence’
Back home, Malaysia is also demonstrating resilience and strategic foresight by embracing this opportunity to solidify ties with China.
Anwar, long an advocate of Malaysia’s non-aligned policy, reiterated the country’s commitment to maintaining a balanced approach in international relations.
In his official visit to Australia to meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last year, Anwar emphasised Malaysia’s “fierce independence” and the country’s intention to choose its own friends, countering any China-phobic sentiment.
This stance reiterates Malaysia’s policy of not taking sides in global power struggles – a wise move for a nation that relies heavily on trade with both China and the United States.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who celebrated the day of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations in Beijing with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and other leaders last year, also noted in recent commentary that “Malaysia believes the world cannot be built on harmful competition”.
“Instead, we must forge cooperation based on mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual unity.
“That is Malaysia’s principle – negotiating, not retaliating; opening doors, not building walls that isolate and diminish global cooperation,” he said, highlighting Malaysia’s firm stance in rejecting retaliation and emphasising mutual trust and respect in international relations.
Initiatives adopted
Xi’s visit resulted in significant outcomes, including the signing of 31 memoranda of understanding covering a wide range of sectors, from infrastructure to digital transformation. One of the highlights included expanding the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative, set to drive high- impact investments and bolster Malaysia’s position in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 era.
Part of the initiatives include developing the Malaysia-China Halal Food Industrial Park on 60ha of land in Perak, leveraging Malaysia’s prestigious international halal certification system and China’s food processing experience and supply chain management. With this, Malaysia’s halal industry will certainly shine further globally.
Also, the establishment of educational institutions like Xiamen University Malaysia and the planned expansion of Universiti Malaya in Shandong, China, are testaments to the deepening educational and cultural ties between the two nations.
These initiatives, along with cooperation in artificial intelligence and the digital economy, mark a step forward in human capital development, crucial for Malaysia’s future economic competitiveness.
Students from the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage welcoming the Chinese President. — Bernama
Balancing ties
As Malaysia continues in the role of Asean Chair this year, it’s crucial to strengthen the Asean Plus Three (APT) framework to make the region more resilient against external threats, like recent global tariffs and sanctions.
APT refers to the cooperative framework between the 10 Asean member countries and China, Japan and South Korea. It started in December 1997 and has evolved into a key mechanism for promoting East Asian cooperation, with Asean serving as the driving force.
Improving APT cooperation can boost economic ties, strengthen financial markets, and drive technological progress across the region. By building on initiatives like the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation – a key financial cooperation initiative within the APT – and working together on digital and climate issues, the APT can provide a strong safety net and support sustainable growth.
For Malaysia, leading this effort brings great advantages. Increased trade and investment within the APT can boost Malaysia’s economy and technological growth, creating jobs and supporting development.
As the Asean Chair, Malaysia has a unique chance to influence the regional agenda, increasing its influence while promoting cultural and personal connections. By leading this initiative, Malaysia can strengthen its economic and political position, helping the region thrive despite global challenges.
As Malaysia continues to balance its ties with both China and the US, it proves the strength of diplomacy and the pursuit of shared prosperity in a world often divided by competition and conflict. Xi’s visit not only strengthened the existing partnership but also paved the way for future collaborations that will benefit Malaysia and China, and the wider region.
