Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade, investment, and regional stability during a 15-minute closed-door meeting held here this morning.
The two leaders reviewed various collaborative efforts aimed at boosting economic ties, particularly in high-growth sectors such as automotive and advanced technology. Among the key areas of discussion was the development of the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim, a major project expected to attract strategic investments from China.
Infrastructure connectivity was another focal point, with both sides exploring the expansion of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang. Collaboration in rare earth elements (REE), the Perak–Penang water pipeline project, and the halal industry also featured prominently in their discussions.
On the tourism and logistics front, Malaysia and China agreed to enhance people-to-people exchanges and explore new routes to strengthen air connectivity. This includes efforts to attract more Chinese cargo flights to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
During the meeting, the leaders also discussed regional issues, with China expressing support for peace efforts regarding the Cambodia–Thailand border situation and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, welcomed China’s participation in advancing the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), which aims to boost sustainable energy cooperation across Southeast Asia. Both countries also emphasised the importance of semiconductor collaboration in advancing regional industrial capabilities.
Discussions further extended to the digital economy, where Malaysia invited leading Chinese technology companies to expand their investments and presence in the country, while encouraging emerging firms to establish regional operations here.
Earlier, Anwar expressed appreciation for China’s engagement with Malaysia and ASEAN, saying, “Many times your visit to Malaysia and my visit to China, and I appreciate your participation; it means a lot for Malaysia and ASEAN. I think we will focus on the bilateral issue today.”
He added, “And thank you for the invitation, President Xi Jinping, for the 80th anniversary of China, and I hope to meet up with him in South Korea in the next few days.”
Among those present at the meeting were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong, and Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Following the meeting, Premier Li Qiang witnessed the signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA 3.0) upgrade, which preceded the 28th ASEAN-China Summit.
Malaysia, hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit 2025 under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, brought together over 3,000 delegates and leaders from more than 30 countries and international organisations to foster deeper regional cooperation.
