Malaysian PM Anwar Hails China as a Trusted Ally Amid Premier Li’s Farewell

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – In a move that is likely to send ripples across the diplomatic community, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated emphatically on Thursday that China’s growing influence should not be met with fear. His comments came during the conclusion of Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit, a historic occasion marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. With China’s economic and military prowess often viewed with skepticism by many other countries in the region, Anwar’s words are both a bold statement and a timely reminder of the significance of friendship in international relations.

During a luncheon attended by approximately 200 business leaders, Anwar addressed the crowd, emphasizing that Malaysia views China as a “true friend” and not a threat. He mentioned that, contrary to popular belief, Malaysia stands to benefit significantly from its relationship with China. Anwar highlighted the mutual desire for learning and profiting from one another, refuting concerns that China might exploit Malaysia’s growing economy. This positive outlook is music to the ears of China’s leadership, which is increasingly finding itself at odds with other regional players such as the Philippines and Japan.

Anwar’s remarks also touched on some of the more contentious issues between the two nations, although he refrained from delving into specifics. It is widely believed that the discussions likely veered into the thorny topic of overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea. Anwar’s stance was clear: such issues should be approached as “equal partners and trusted friends.” His rebuke of what he termed as “incessant propaganda” urging countries to fear China’s dominance was a strong statement against escalating regional tensions.

Premier Li Qiang, China’s second-in-command after President Xi Jinping, was the first Chinese premier to visit Malaysia since 2015. During the visit, he underscored the “friendship” between China and Malaysia as a model for country-to-country relations in the region. The two leaders agreed that the South China Sea dispute should be handled “independently and properly” through dialogue and bilateral cooperation. This agreement comes at a time when the territorial dispute remains a hot-button issue, with multiple claimants including Vietnam, Brunei, the Philippines, and Taiwan, all contesting Beijing’s expansive claims.

Economically, China has been Malaysia’s top trading partner since 2009, and safeguarding this relationship is clearly a priority for both nations. To this end, a joint statement released on Thursday announced some welcome news: China will extend visa-free travel for Malaysian tourists until the end of 2025, while Malaysia will reciprocate with a similar extension until the end of 2026. These moves are not just symbolic but also practical steps towards cementing the bilateral relationship.

As Premier Li aptly noted, the journey of China and Malaysia over the past 50 years has been akin to an expedition, with both nations wading through challenges and celebrating achievements. This milestone, brimming with accomplishments, also ushers in the beginning of a new journey filled with hope and potential for even greater cooperation and understanding between the two countries.