Malaysia (Commonwealth Union)_ Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Malaysia for a three-day state visit, marking the second leg of his Southeast Asia tour, which also includes Vietnam and Cambodia. This marks Xi’s first overseas trip of the year and comes at a time of heightened global economic tension, as US President Donald Trump’s recently announced tariffs threaten to reshape international trade dynamics. Accordingly, the presidential aircraft landed at the Bunga Raya Complex of Kuala Lumpur International Airport on 15th evening. President Xi was welcomed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.
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A warm cultural reception greeted Xi and his delegation, featuring a medley of traditional Malay, Chinese, and Indian drum performances by the Arjunasukma Academy from Gombak. A marching band from Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Yu Hua in Kajang performed patriotic Malaysian songs, adding a festive atmosphere to the state-level welcome. Xi’s visit to Malaysia, taking place from April 15 to 17, is at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia. Upon arrival, the Chinese leader issued a statement expressing his anticipation of fruitful discussions with Sultan Ibrahim and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global matters.
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On Wednesday, President Xi was accorded a state welcome ceremony followed by an audience with the Malaysian monarch at Istana Negara. In honour of the visit, Sultan Ibrahim also hosted a state banquet for Xi and his delegation. Xi was accompanied by a high-level delegation including senior officials and Cabinet ministers. He also held talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during which both leaders explored avenues to enhance cooperation and exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest. According to the Malaysian Foreign Ministry, the visit will also include the signing and exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding, Agreements, and Notes between the two nations. An official dinner hosted by Anwar at the Seri Perdana Complex is also on the agenda.
The visit takes place amid growing global uncertainty stemming from the United States’ latest round of trade actions. On April 2, President Trump announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs under the banner of “Liberation Day.” While the harshest measures target China directly, several export-driven Southeast Asian economies, including Malaysia, have also been affected. A 10% baseline tariff on all US-bound exports has been imposed, though a temporary 90-day pause has been granted to some nations. Notably, electronics such as smartphones were spared, but the US has hinted that new semiconductor-related tariffs may soon follow. President Xi’s tour of Southeast Asia is considered a strategic move to reinforce regional partnerships and emphasize China’s commitment to cooperation under the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness. His visit to Malaysia comes twelve years after his last official trip in 2013, during which China and Malaysia elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Malaysia and China first established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974. Having marked the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations last year, the two countries continue to maintain strong economic ties. China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner since 2009, with total trade between the two nations reaching RM484.12 billion in 2024, accounting for 16.8% of Malaysia’s total global trade. As ASEAN Chair and the current Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, Malaysia is expected to play a significant role in advancing regional cooperation with China. The Malaysian Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of dialogue, mutual trust, and concrete initiatives in strengthening the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. With economic turbulence triggered by US tariffs looming in the background, Xi’s Malaysia visit is poised to reaffirm strategic ties and deepen regional engagement at a pivotal time for global trade.
