Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for stronger collaboration with Malaysia to enhance bilateral relations and bolster ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). During a meeting on Thursday with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan in Kuala Lumpur, Wang emphasized China’s readiness to work with Malaysia to implement the leaders’ consensus on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future.
Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, urged both nations to fully execute cooperation plans under the Belt and Road Initiative. He highlighted the importance of key projects such as the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative, advocating for steady progress in these areas to strengthen economic ties, trade, investment, and connectivity.
Addressing emerging sectors, Wang proposed deeper cooperation to jointly establish a regional hub for new quality productive forces. He also underscored the significance of cultural exchanges, calling for continued dialogue between Confucian and Islamic civilizations. The upcoming mutual visa exemption agreement between China and Malaysia, he noted, would further enhance personnel exchanges and consolidate public support for their bilateral relationship.
On China-ASEAN relations, Wang affirmed that China and ASEAN are good neighbors, friends, and partners. He announced that both sides have completed negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, demonstrating a shared commitment to expanding the common market and upholding free trade.
Wang criticized recent moves by the United States to impose high tariffs on ASEAN countries, labeling it as an act of bullying and unilateralism. He asserted that China’s countermeasures aim to safeguard not only its own interests but also the common interests of all countries, including ASEAN members. China, he added, is willing to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN to uphold the multilateral trading system and promote inclusive economic globalization.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan expressed that Malaysia-China relations are at their historical best. In light of growing global uncertainties, he stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between Malaysia and China, as well as within ASEAN. Mohamad reiterated Malaysia’s firm adherence to the one-China policy and the value it places on the friendship between the two nations.
He voiced support for China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. Mohamad stated that Malaysia is ready to deepen practical cooperation with China in areas such as trade and investment, infrastructure, digital economy, and green development.
“Under the current circumstances, it is clear who our true friends are,” Mohamad remarked, highlighting that Malaysia will not act solely in its own interests or sacrifice the interests of third parties when facing issues like tariffs. “That is not the ASEAN way,” he concluded.
