Xi hopes for 50 more 'golden years' of China-M'sia relations

Chinese President Xi Jinping hopes his state visit to Malaysia will further strengthen the friendship between the two countries, ushering in another “50 golden years” in China-Malaysia relations.

In a written statement upon his arrival today at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to begin his three-day state visit, Xi said he is confident that with the joint efforts of China and Malaysia, this will be a fruitful visit.

“With this visit, I hope to further deepen our traditional friendship, enhance political trust, advance cooperation in modernisation, promote mutual learning between civilisations, and scale new heights in developing the China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

“I am confident that, with our joint efforts, this will be a fruitful visit. Together, we will open up a new chapter in the annals of our good neighbourly ties and mutually beneficial cooperation, and begin another ‘50 golden years’ in China-Malaysia relations,” he said in the statement released by the Chinese embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

Xi arrived in Malaysia today for a three-day state visit at the invitation of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

Warm welcome

The visit marks Xi’s second official trip to Malaysia in 12 years, after his last visit in 2013.

The Air China flight carrying the president landed at the Bunga Raya Complex of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 6.30pm.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim along with Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing were present to greet Xi’s delegation.

Xi also expressed his pleasure to return to Malaysia for a state visit at the invitation of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

“Twelve years ago, I paid my first state visit to Malaysia and brought home deep and fond memories.

“Coming back today fills me with warmth. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I wish to extend sincere greetings and best wishes to the government and people of Malaysia,” he said.

The president also said China and Malaysia, which began their diplomatic relation over half a century ago, have set a fine example for state-to-state relations, marked by mutual respect, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.

“During my visit, I will have an in-depth exchange of views with King Sultan Ibrahim and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of shared interest,” he said.

Visit agenda

Wisma Putra said that during his visit, Xi will be accorded a state welcoming ceremony, followed by an audience with Sultan Ibrahim at Istana Negara.

Sultan Ibrahim will also graciously host a state banquet in honour of Xi and his delegation.

Accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior government officials, Xi is scheduled to hold a meeting with Anwar to discuss bilateral cooperation, as well as exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Anwar will also host an official dinner at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya in honour of Xi.

The visit is part of Xi’s first tour of state visit in 2025, which also includes stops in Vietnam and Cambodia.

China-Malaysia ties

For 16 years since 2009, China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner, with total trade between the two countries valued at RM484.12 billion in 2024, representing 16.8 percent of Malaysia’s total global trade (RM2.88 trillion).

Last year, China and Malaysia celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

“Both China and Malaysia are major developing countries and members of the Global South.

“Deepening our high-level strategic cooperation is good for the common interests of both China and Malaysia, and good for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world,” Xi added.

As chair of Asean and the country coordinator for Asean-China dialogue relations, Malaysia remains committed to advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Asean and China.

The Foreign Ministry stated that this will be pursued through dialogue, mutual trust, and initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of Asean and China.

- Bernama

M'sia committed to open, fair trade, engaging US and China - Zafrul

Xi says China to join neighbouring countries for Asia's modernisation

Loke hopeful Anwar-Xi wisdom can counter irrational 'tariff politics'

Anwar warns US tariffs risk straining China-Malaysia ties