Beijing: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent visit to China has underscored Malaysia's increasingly significant role in strategic diplomacy amidst a fractured global landscape. The four-day working visit, which concluded today, featured high-level engagements with Chinese leaders, industry figures, and participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar's participation, invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping, was a notable highlight, marking the first instance of a Malaysian leader and current ASEAN Chair being invited to this prestigious Eurasian forum. During the summit, Anwar criticized Israel's actions in Gaza and expressed disappointment with the United Nations for its perceived inability to prevent conflicts and protect the vulnerable.
Anwar stated that the UN's inaction has allowed the Zionist regime to operate with impunity, highlighting a growing gap between the organization's ideals and its actions. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these disparities, pointing out that atrocities are being committed with impunity, particularly in Gaza, where the killing of children continues unabated.
Amidst these global challenges, Anwar proposed 'sovereign interdependence' as a way to rebuild trust and promote global stability. He described it as the ability for nations to remain sovereign and connected, enhancing resilience through interdependence rather than undermining autonomy.
This visit, Anwar's fourth to China since assuming office in November 2022, reinforced the strong bilateral relationship between Malaysia and China, which has been ongoing since 1974. During his time in Beijing, Anwar met with Xi Jinping, marking their fourth in-person meeting, and secured Xi's support for Malaysia's accelerated membership in the BRICS bloc.
Anwar also engaged in discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and attended a special dinner at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Economic diplomacy was a focal point of Anwar's visit, as he promoted Malaysia as a high-value regional hub for global businesses. At a business dialogue with 120 Chinese investors, he highlighted Malaysia's stable economic policy, strategic infrastructure, and strong bilateral ties with China as key investment incentives.
China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner since 2009, with total trade reaching RM484.12 billion in 2024, comprising 16.8% of Malaysia's total global trade. Anwar, accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, departed for Kuala Lumpur after attending the Victory Day parade hosted by the Chinese President.