Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed China’s status as Malaysia’s most crucial trading partner, especially as the global trading environment faces significant disruptions. The international trade landscape has been destabilized, with market access being weaponized through the imposition of debilitating tariffs affecting 168 countries, including Malaysia and China.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized China’s forward-looking global initiatives, which he described as offering hope by focusing on renewal rather than rivalry. In his address, delivered during a dinner in honor of visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping at Seri Perdana, Anwar highlighted the immense strain on multilateralism caused by these tariffs.
Anwar, who also serves as Malaysia’s Finance Minister, criticized certain nations for abandoning shared responsibility and questioning longstanding commitments. He stressed the need for global steadiness, reliability, and purpose, qualities he attributes to China’s conduct. Malaysia, he noted, quietly appreciates the stability and hope China brings, recognizing the calm it provides amid global turbulence.
During his speech, Anwar recalled a poignant reminder from President Xi, who emphasized enduring relationships through the Malay proverb “Air dicincang tidak akan putus,” meaning “you may cleave the water, yet it remains intact.”
The Prime Minister pointed out China’s vital role in development, spanning from the flow of goods and ideas to advancements in energy, infrastructure, and innovation. He asserted that the true strength of the Malaysia-China relationship lies beyond mere trade figures, rooted instead in a deep understanding of shared prosperity and cultivated trust.
Anwar also lauded China’s Belt and Road Initiative under Xi’s leadership, which reimagines connectivity as a framework for cooperation rather than just a network of roads and rails.
Malaysia and China have maintained diplomatic relations since May 31, 1974, and marked the 50th anniversary of their ties in 2024. Since 2009, China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. In 2024, bilateral trade reached RM484.12 billion, representing 16.8 percent of Malaysia’s total global trade value of RM2.879 trillion.