Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured Southeast Asian countries of China’s unwavering support amid global economic uncertainties, promising to deepen regional partnerships and cooperation during his state visit to Malaysia on Wednesday.
“In the face of shocks to global order and economic globalization, China and Malaysia will stand with countries in the region to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical … confrontation, as well as the counter-currents of unilateralism and protectionism,” Xi said during a formal dinner with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. “Together we will safeguard the bright prospects of our Asian family.”
Xi’s visit to Malaysia is part of a broader Southeast Asia tour, which includes stops in Vietnam and Cambodia, and comes in the wake of newly announced U.S. tariffs by former President Donald Trump that have sent ripples through the global economy. Despite the timing, Xi’s trip, likely planned earlier, is seen as Beijing’s opportunity to reaffirm its role as a regional stabilizer and counterbalance to growing Western economic protectionism.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed Xi with strong praise for China’s global role, issuing a subtle rebuke to the U.S. approach to trade.
“What we are witnessing today is not an honest reckoning with the imperfections of globalization, but a retreat into economic tribalism. Market access is being weaponized,” Anwar said. “In these trying times, the world yearns for steadiness, reliability and a common purpose. We see this in China’s conduct.”
Xi reaffirmed China’s intention to expand market access for Malaysia and Vietnam and expressed hope for accelerating a free trade agreement between China and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
During his meeting with Malaysia’s king, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, Xi also emphasized future cooperation in green technology and artificial intelligence, as reported by the official Xinhua News Agency.
China and Malaysia signed several memoranda of understanding covering services and trade, further development of industrial parks in both countries, and increased agricultural exports to China. Malaysia continues to host multiple Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, including the $11.2 billion East Coast Rail Link, which was a key topic in Xi’s discussion with the king.
China remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner and one of its top sources of foreign direct investment.
Xi began his tour with a state visit to Vietnam, where he met with Communist Party General Secretary To Lam, as well as the Vietnamese president and prime minister. The two nations signed a series of memoranda aimed at strengthening cooperation in supply chains, including a joint railway project. Xi also pledged increased access for Vietnamese agricultural goods to the Chinese market.
According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, the two sides signed a memorandum “to build a smooth, stable, and resilient industrial chain and supply chain…, and further deepen trade and investment cooperation” between their business sectors.
China’s Ministry of Defense also confirmed a deepening of defense cooperation with Vietnam, although no specific details were provided. Areas of agreement include political work, maritime security, joint exercises, and personnel training, all aimed at elevating military ties “to a new level.”
Xi’s regional charm offensive highlights China’s strategic effort to position itself as a steadfast ally of Southeast Asia in the face of economic turbulence and shifting global alliances.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
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- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
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- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
