Malaysia and ASEAN’s relationship with China should be rooted in mutual respect and trust, according to Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. Speaking at the China Conference: Southeast Asia 2025, Tengku Zafrul emphasised the importance of fostering strong ties that drive high-value industries, promote innovation, and support sustainable development.
Tengku Zafrul noted the growing economic significance of the ASEAN-China partnership, citing that in 2023, the trade volume between China and ASEAN reached nearly US$1 trillion, making China ASEAN’s largest trading partner and its third-largest source of foreign direct investment.
Furthermore, Tengku Zafrul urged ASEAN to step up its role amidst great power rivalries and economic shifts. He highlighted the critical need for ASEAN to capitalise on opportunities in technological advancement, especially in its interactions with China, to ensure continued growth and regional prosperity.
These remarks underscore the strategic importance of ASEAN-China relations in the evolving global economic landscape.
