Policymakers, scholars, and experts from the Malaysian business community have stressed the importance of deepening ties with China, rooted in shared values and long-standing trade relationships, ahead of President Xi Jinping's state visit.
China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, while Malaysia remains China's second-largest trading partner and the largest source of imports within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
President Xi concluded his state visit to Vietnam from Monday to Tuesday. He will also visit Malaysia and Cambodia from Tuesday to Friday.
Wong Chen, a Malaysian MP, expressed optimism about strengthening ties with China, emphasizing shared values as a foundation for deeper collaboration.
"I was in China two years ago, I was very impressed by many of the renewable energy projects, the robotics. I think your country is really advancing very much. And because of our Asian values, I think it would be easier for us to understand each other business-wise," said Chen.
Tricia Yeoh, associate professor of practice at University of Nottingham Malaysia, also stressed the importance of closer cooperation.
"Especially at a time when things are at a critical moment, it's very important for our countries to be able to work together, not just bilaterally, but also multilaterally with any other nation that hopes to continue upholding the institutions of trust," said Yeoh.
In 2024, bilateral trade between China and Malaysia reached a record high of 212.04 billion U.S. dollars, marking an 11.4 percent year-on-year increase.
Speaking on Malaysia's role as the ASEAN chair, Chan Seng Fatt, CEO of Star Media Group, highlighted the profound significance of President Xi's visit, emphasizing its impact not just on Malaysia but on the broader Asian region.
"Malaysia is the ASEAN chair this year. I think it brings a lot of deep-rooted meaning and implication. That also shows his (Chinese president) support for the Malaysian and ASEAN collaboration. And certainly, this visit means a lot to us, not only for Malaysia but the entire Asia," said Fatt. Tan Chee Meng, assistant professor of business economics at University of Nottingham Malaysia, highlighted the potential for mutual growth through enhanced cooperation and shared learning opportunities with the Chinese people.
"You are a powerful, rich nation, so the region can actually benefit a great deal. We would hope that further cooperation could actually occur and that we could learn more from the Chinese people," said Meng.
Malaysian experts stress importance of stronger China ties ahead of Xi's visit
