China - Malaysia Economic Partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Malaysia on April 16, 2025, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and establish a strategic community with a shared future. During his meeting with Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, Xi highlighted five decades of fruitful cooperation between the two countries and proposed enhancing strategic coordination, particularly in key areas such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and green energy.

More than 30 bilateral agreements were signed, covering a wide range of sectors, including cooperation under China’s three major global initiatives, the development of the Kuantan Industrial Park, the export of Malaysian agricultural products to China, and panda conservation. Key projects such as the “Two Countries, Two Parks” initiative and the East Coast Rail Link were also central to the discussions. China, Malaysia’s largest trading partner with a trade volume of USD 212 billion in 2024, continues to drive investment in infrastructure projects.

Xi also emphasized the need to strengthen regional cooperation within ASEAN and called for joint resistance to unilateral trade practices and supply chain disruptions. The visit was widely welcomed by the Malaysian public, who expressed support for greater cooperation with China, particularly in boosting agricultural exports and attracting investment. Overall, the visit consolidated bilateral ties while underscoring the importance of regional cooperation for stability and prosperity.