Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Malaysia, marking the start of a crucial visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. The trip comes as China navigates a heated trade war with the US, with the latter imposing a 145% tariff on Chinese imports. In response, China has retaliated with a 125% tariff on US goods.
Boosting Cooperation Amid Trade Tensions
Upon his arrival in Kuala Lumpur, Xi was greeted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The two leaders are set to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between their nations. Xi is also scheduled to meet with Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim, and attend a banquet at the royal palace. The Malaysian Foreign Ministry has announced that Xi and Anwar will witness the signing of several bilateral agreements.
During his visit, Xi emphasized his commitment to deepening China-Malaysia relations. He expressed his eagerness to exchange in-depth views with Sultan Ibrahim and Anwar, stating that their joint efforts will yield significant results. In an article published in The Star, a Malaysian newspaper, Xi highlighted China’s willingness to work with Malaysia to address global geopolitical uncertainties and promote a more equitable international order.
Countering Protectionism
Xi’s visit to Malaysia follows his recent trip to Vietnam, where the two nations issued a joint statement condemning “hegemony” and “unilateralism.” While the statement did not explicitly mention the US, it was seen as a veiled criticism of the Trump administration’s trade policies. China and Vietnam also signed 45 cooperation agreements, covering areas such as supply chain management, artificial intelligence, and joint maritime surveillance.
The agreements between China and Vietnam demonstrate their commitment to maintaining open, transparent, and non-discriminatory trade practices, with the World Trade Organization at their core. Xi’s visit to Malaysia is likely to yield similar outcomes, as both nations seek to strengthen their economic ties and counter the protectionist measures imposed by the US.
- Xi Jinping’s visit to Malaysia aims to boost bilateral cooperation amid trade tensions with the US.
- The Chinese president met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and is set to discuss ways to enhance cooperation.
- Xi emphasized his commitment to deepening China-Malaysia relations and promoting a more equitable international order.
The visit is seen as a key step in China’s efforts to promote its economic interests and counter the US’s protectionist policies. By strengthening its ties with Southeast Asian nations, China is seeking to create alternative trade pathways and reduce its dependence on the US market.