HANGZHOU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the deep-rooted trust and mutual confidence underpinning Malaysia’s bilateral relationship with China, describing the partnership as one that transcends traditional diplomatic ties.
Speaking at a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Anwar said that Malaysia attaches great importance to its relationship with Beijing and the vision of President Xi Jinping, particularly regarding shared prosperity, ethical governance and bridging the digital divide for the Global South.
“Our relations transcend normal diplomatic relations. It is built on trust and confidence, and we need friends who value this friendship,” Anwar said in his opening remarks during the meeting here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Stressing Malaysia’s stance on China and regional matters such as the South China Sea, the Prime Minister reiterated that Malaysia values Beijing’s commitment to its promises and views the nation through a unique lens.
“Every time they interview me, they ask about our relationship with China, but Premier Li Qiang, please accept this with all sincerity, that we value this friendship and we see that you honour your commitment,” he said.
Anwar also expressed his appreciation for China’s leadership in key global discussions and noted the shared values between both nations in governance and ethical developments.
Highlighting Hangzhou’s status as a digital and artificial intelligence hub, he commended Li for his contributions to the region’s development.
Anwar noted that his attendance at events held in both Shanghai and Hangzhou during his three-day working visit was a direct reflection of the close personal and working rapport shared with the Chinese leadership.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence in the ongoing trajectory of Malaysia-China relations as both nations move forward to discuss further substantive matters aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The meeting, held at the West Lake State Guest House here, was among the key engagements on the final day of Anwar’s working visit to China, which ended yesterday.
The meeting lasted about 50 minutes, with both the leaders and delegation adjourning to a luncheon hosted by Li.
In his welcoming remarks for Anwar and his delegation, Li described Malaysia-China relations as one of the priorities in Beijing’s neighbourhood diplomacy.
He said amid escalating global conflicts, turmoil and uncertainty, close communication and coordination between the two countries could provide greater certainty for their shared development.
Li also described Xi’s state visit to Malaysia in April last year as the opening of a new “Golden 50 Years” in Malaysia-China relations.
He said China is ready to work hand in hand with Malaysia to strengthen political trust and intensify the building of the China-Malaysia community, including through cooperation in science and technology, digital trade and vocational skills.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, was accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The working visit, at the invitation of the Chinese government, is Anwar’s fourth visit to the country since becoming Prime Minister in 2022.
China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching US$113.82bil (RM456.68bil) for the period of January to August this year.
Earlier, Anwar lauded China for helping Malaysia and many other countries in advancing new technologies.
“The cooperation with China, as experienced in many countries, has helped immensely in our effort to venture into new technologies,” he said.
Commenting on the ongoing WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, Anwar described it as “the Olympics of technical skills”, which emphasises the breadth of global participation and the platform’s role in cultivating future-ready talent.
“I met young people from all over the world, as well as Malaysians. A total of 1,400 young people are provided the opportunity to be exposed to new technology,” he said at the opening ceremony of the 5th Global Digital Trade Expo.
