Xi Jinping’s visit: Malaysia ‘stands with China’ amid US tariff threat, Anwar says

The two countries signed a raft of deals spanning AI, infrastructure and agriculture as both leaders spoke out in defence of open trade

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(From left) Chinese President Xi Jinping, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim at a welcome ceremony at the national palace in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:33pm, 16 Apr 2025Updated: 8:15pm, 16 Apr 2025

Malaysia stands with China on trade, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said as the two nations signed a raft of deals covering artificial intelligence, rail connectivity and even the export of coconuts, during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the Southeast Asian nation.

The agreements, announced on Wednesday, reflect Beijing’s bid to present itself as a dependable trade partner to Southeast Asia amid escalating tariff threats from Washington.

“We stand with the Chinese government, for the well-being of our people and for our national economic interests, as well as the overall development and stability of our country,” Anwar told state-run Chinese broadcaster CGTN.

Among the 31 agreements signed by the two countries are deals covering expanded trade and services, fresh coconut exports from Malaysia, increased Chinese tourism and student exchanges with Southeast Asia, and deeper cooperation in artificial intelligence, the digital economy and rail infrastructure.

Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects a guard of honour during a welcome ceremony at the national palace in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

At a state banquet following the signing of the agreements, Anwar and Xi struck a unified tone in defence of open trade and regional cooperation, while taking veiled swipes at rising US protectionism.