Malaysia-China ties built on trust

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 25, 2026

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Hangzhou to reaffirm the strong Malaysia-China partnership, emphasizing trust, mutual goals, and cooperation on regional and technological issues. The leaders highlighted plans to deepen collaboration in digital trade, science, and skills development, building on China’s role as Malaysia’s largest trading partner and setting the stage for continued growth in bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim underscored the foundation of trust and mutual confidence that characterizes Malaysia’s relationship with China during a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Hangzhou yesterday. The leaders met at the West Lake State Guest House as part of Anwar’s three-day working visit to the country, which concluded on the same day.

Anwar emphasized that the Malaysia-China partnership extends beyond conventional diplomatic ties. He highlighted Malaysia’s appreciation for Beijing’s commitment to shared goals such as prosperity, ethical governance, and narrowing the digital divide within 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.

Addressing regional issues, including the South China Sea, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s respect for China’s adherence to its commitments, describing the relationship as unique and sincere. He also praised China’s leadership role in international forums and noted the alignment of both countries on ethical governance and developmental values.

Anwar’s visit included participation in events in Shanghai and Hangzhou, reflective of the close working relationship between the two governments. He acknowledged Hangzhou’s growing prominence as a hub for digital innovation and artificial intelligence and commended Premier Li’s contributions to regional development.

Premier Li Qiang echoed Anwar’s sentiments by describing Malaysia-China ties as a priority within Beijing’s neighborhood diplomacy framework. He pointed to the global context of rising conflicts and uncertainties, underscoring that enhanced communication and cooperation between their countries would provide stability for shared development. Li referenced President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia in April 2025 as the beginning of a “Golden 50 Years” for bilateral relations.

China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 17 years consecutively, with bilateral trade totaling approximately US$113.82 billion (RM456.68 billion) from January to August 2026. Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, expressed confidence in advancing substantive cooperation in areas such as science and technology, digital trade, and vocational skills.

The meeting lasted about 50 minutes before the two delegations proceeded to a luncheon hosted by Premier Li. Accompanying Anwar on the visit were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Anwar further highlighted China’s role in assisting Malaysia and other countries in technological advancement. Referring to the ongoing WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 event, he described it as akin to the “Olympics of technical skills,” emphasizing its importance in fostering global talent and preparing youth for future opportunities. “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 stated during the opening ceremony of the 5th Global Digital Trade Expo.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.