KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is ready to become China’s trusted strategic partner across key industries, including electric vehicles (EVs), battery technology and renewable energy, serving together as the true "engine" of future growth, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said over the decades, Malaysia and China's relationship had grown far beyond traditional diplomacy.
"It has become a strong partnership, supported by trade, investment, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology and people-to-people ties.
"But in today's fast-chaging world, trust must be translated into future-facing cooperation," he said in his keynote address at the Malaysia-China Forum on EV, Battery, New Energy Talent Development and Innovation (MCEF) 2026 here on Tuesday (May 12).
In 2025, Ahmad Zahid said that China remained Malaysia's largest trading partner for the 17th consecutive year, with bilateral trade reaching RM541.90bil.
"This reflects confidence and partnership that has stood the test of time and continues to grow with new strategic meaning," he said.
Also present was China's ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.
