Anwar highlights trade, investment and regional peace in talks with Premier Li Qiang.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim greets Chinese Premier Li Qiang upon arrival at the 28th ASEAN–China Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 28, 2025. Image credit – PMO
By TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28, 2025 — Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim opened the 28th ASEAN–China Summit by welcoming Premier Li Qiang and reaffirming ASEAN’s centrality in navigating great-power relations.
He underscored that ASEAN’s steady engagement with both China and the United States reflects the bloc’s commitment to fostering trust, regional stability, and constructive partnerships.
“Day before we were with President Donald Trump of the United States of America, and today we are back with China. That reflects ASEAN centrality,” Anwar said in his remarks, praising ASEAN’s wisdom in balancing ties while maintaining friendly relations with all partners.
The summit also marked the formal recognition of the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol — described by Anwar as a “spectacular feat” and a key step in deepening economic cooperation.
Strengthening Malaysia–China Ties
On the sidelines of the summit, Anwar held a bilateral meeting with Premier Li Qiang, which he later described as further solidifying “the close friendship between Malaysia and China, built on trust and mutual respect.”
Talks focused on strengthening trade and investment, with Malaysia committing to expand high-value exports in electronics and electrical (E&E), aerospace, medical technology, renewable energy, and oil and gas under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation framework.
Anwar highlighted major collaborative projects, including the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim, a Proton–Geely partnership, the expansion of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), and new port collaborations that will reinforce Malaysia’s position as a regional logistics and maritime hub.
He added that Malaysia welcomes continued Chinese investment in digital industries, semiconductors, and green technology — areas aligned with the country’s ambition to become ASEAN’s innovation hub.
Peace and Regional Stability
The discussions also touched on ASEAN’s broader peace efforts. Anwar noted Premier Li’s support for the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, signed during the 47th ASEAN Summit, calling it a milestone in ASEAN diplomacy.
China also expressed its commitment to support ASEAN in resolving the crisis in Myanmar — specifically in sustaining ceasefire efforts and bringing all stakeholders back to the negotiating table.
Looking Ahead
As Malaysia chairs ASEAN this year, Anwar positioned the ASEAN–China partnership as central to regional growth and security. “This is steady engagement that fosters trust, that enables us to work through challenges together,” he said.
With expanding economic ties, joint infrastructure projects, and China’s pledge to support ASEAN’s peace initiatives, the summit reaffirmed both sides’ shared goal: ensuring stability and prosperity for the region’s 680 million people. – TNS NEWS