Malaysian PM meets Chinese FM on bilateral relations

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on Friday, with both sides pledging to advance bilateral ties and cooperation.

The meeting was held during Wang's visit to Malaysia for the ASEAN Plus foreign ministers' meetings. Noting that China is a trustworthy friend and partner of Malaysia, Anwar said that fostering friendly relations with China is a shared consensus between the Malaysian government and the people of Malaysia. He added that cooperation across various fields between the two countries has benefited both peoples.

At a time when multilateral mechanisms such as BRICS are gaining strength and countries are striving for independence and development, China plays a leading role, and Malaysia deeply appreciates China's contributions, Anwar said.

For his part, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that under the guidance of the two heads of state, bilateral relations have entered their best period in history.

China is a sincere friend of Malaysia and is ready to work with Malaysia to fully implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders and to advance the high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, Wang said.

Wang also expressed China's full support for Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 and its greater role in regional and international affairs, adding that China looks forward to making new progress in China-ASEAN cooperation.

Wang said that as developing countries, emerging economies, and key representatives of the Global South, China and Malaysia should join hands to address challenges and pursue common development and revitalization.

The U.S. unilateral imposition of high tariffs is an irresponsible move that runs counter to global cooperation and shared interests, Wang said, adding that China always stands together with the developing countries, remain committed to high-level opening-up, and share the benefits of its enormous market to expand win-win cooperation.

During his visit, Wang also held talks with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan.

Malaysian PM meets Chinese FM on bilateral relations

Malaysian PM meets Chinese FM on bilateral relations

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the organization's member states to respect international law in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's latest remarks that he doesn't need international law.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the secretary-general, said at a press conference on Friday that the UN chief's reaction to Trump's remarks "is to redouble his message to all member states to respect the international law they themselves created".

In an interview with The New York Times on Wednesday, Trump declared that his global power is constrained only by his "own morality", saying it's the only thing that can stop him.

When asked whether his administration needs to abide by international law, Trump said he would be the arbiter when such constraints applied to the United States.

"It depends what your definition of international law is," he said.

The New York Times report said Trump's assessment of his own freedom to use any instrument of military, economic or political power to cement American supremacy was the most blunt acknowledgment yet of his worldview. At its core is the concept that national strength, rather than laws, treaties and conventions, should be the deciding factor as powers collide.

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Maduro made his first court appearance on Jan 5 in New York, during which he pleaded not guilty to all U.S. charges.

Amid tensions with Venezuela, Trump has claimed the United States absolutely needs Greenland, saying he might try "hard ways" to take over the island, which has a strategically critical position and rich resources.

The latest U.S. moves have drawn worldwide condemnation for its violation of Venezuela's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and international law.

UN chief calls for respect for international law in response to Trump’s remarks