By Phubieyas Ahmad
RANTAU, April 12 – Malaysia is preparing to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping for a long-anticipated state visit from April 15 to 17, signaling both nations’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding regional cooperation under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship this year.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the visit reflects the deepening maturity of Malaysia-China relations and builds on the momentum following last year’s 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
“This visit by President Xi Jinping has been in the pipeline for some time,” he told reporters at his Hari Raya Aidilfitri Rumah Terbuka in Rantau, Negeri Sembilan. “It comes at a significant time as Malaysia leads ASEAN in 2025 and we strengthen both our bilateral agenda with China and broader regional cooperation.”
Malaysia is currently facilitating strategic initiatives with China, including preparations for the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and plans for an ASEAN-GCC Plus China platform at the end of May.
“There is a lot of important work underway—not only at the bilateral level between Malaysia and China—but also within the ASEAN-China framework,” Mohamad said. “Our goal is to ensure that our engagement with China remains firmly rooted in trade and economic cooperation.”
He emphasised that mutual benefit is key to Malaysia-China economic relations.
“When it comes to trade, it’s important that both sides benefit—not just one. That’s what we’re working to enhance. At the same time, we must also explore how ASEAN can strengthen intra-regional trade among its members,” he said.
“Especially in today’s global environment, where the world economy is in disarray and no longer functions according to the systems that were carefully put in place—we must manage our country, our economy, and our trade affairs with clarity and discipline.”
Mohamad noted that there are no tariff issues between Malaysia and China. “There are no tariffs between Malaysia and China. Those issues exist between China and the United States, not us.”
However, he acknowledged that Malaysia is taking steps to address trade challenges involving the U.S.
“The Malaysian Cabinet has agreed to send Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, along with Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, to Washington next week to present our case to U.S. officials. We hope the discussions will be constructive and that the matter can be resolved smoothly,” he said.
The Rumah Terbuka, hosted by the Minister and his wife, Datin Seri Raja Salbiah Tengku Nujumudin, brought together guests from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Rembau Parliamentary constituency, the Rembau UMNO Division, and the Rantau state constituency.
President Xi’s upcoming visit—his first to Malaysia in over a decade—is seen as a reaffirmation of strong bilateral ties. Security arrangements are being closely coordinated by the Royal Malaysia Police and other key agencies.
Mohamad concluded that the state visit would not only strengthen Malaysia-China relations, but also set a forward-looking tone for ASEAN-China engagement as Malaysia guides the regional bloc’s direction this year.
- TNS NEWS