PETALING JAYA: Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Malaysia, hoping to deepen the long friendship between the two countries and to usher in another “50 golden years” in China-Malaysia relations.
Malaysia rolled out the red carpet to welcome Xi, who is here on the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, yesterday.
The special aircraft carrying the Chinese leader and his delegation landed at the Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), at 6.48pm.
On hand to welcome them was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, along with Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Dances representing the different ethnic groups were performed to welcome Xi and his delegation.
During his visit, the Chinese President said that he will have an in-depth exchange of views with Sultan Ibrahim and the Prime Minister on bilateral relations and international and regional issues.
“With this visit, I hope to further deepen our traditional friendships, enhance political mutual trust, and scale new heights in developing the China-Malaysia community with a shared future.
“I am confident that, with our joint efforts, this will be a fruitful visit.
“Together, we will open up a new chapter in the annals of our good neighbourly ties and begin another ‘50 golden years’ in China-Malaysia relations,” he said in a statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia and China established diplomatic relations 51 years ago, on May 31, 1974.
Xi said he was pleased to return to Kuala Lumpur for a state visit.
“Twelve years ago, I paid my first state visit to Malaysia and brought home deep and fond memories. Coming back today fills me with warmth,” said Xi, who described the two countries as good neighbours linked by the sea and sharing a “millennium-old traditional friendship”.
“For more than half a century since we began diplomatic relations, our two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals, and enjoyed mutually beneficial cooperation, setting a fine example for state-to-state relations,” he said.
“Last year, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic ties. Both China and Malaysia are major developing countries and members of the Global South.
“Deepening our high-level strategic cooperation is good for the common interests of both China and Malaysia, as well as for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world,” said Xi.
During his three-day visit, Xi will be accorded a state welcoming ceremony, followed by an audience with Sultan Ibrahim at Istana Negara.
The King will also host a state banquet in honour of Xi and his delegation.
Xi is scheduled to hold a meeting with Anwar to discuss bilateral cooperation, as well as exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
“Both leaders will then witness the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding, Agreements and Notes between Malaysia and China,” said Wisma Putra.
Anwar will also host an official dinner at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya in honour of Xi.
The visit is part of Xi’s first tour of state visits in 2025, which also includes stops in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Xi’s last state visit to Malaysia was in 2013, during which both countries elevated diplomatic relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 years, since 2009.
Total trade between the two countries was valued at RM484.12bil in 2024, representing 16.8% of Malaysia’s total global trade (RM2.879 trillion).
