Anwar Ibrahim Embarks on Productive Chinese Tour
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has embarked on an official tour of China, commencing this journey straight after the National Day festivities in 2025 at Dataran Putrajaya. This marks the start of what is slated to be a productive, four-day official excursion. The plane ferrying the Prime Minister and his spouse, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, made its landing at the expansive Tianjin Binhai International Airport, wherein a ceremonious red carpet reception awaited their arrival.
Welcoming committee at the airport consisted of prominent figures from both Malaysia and China. Datuk Norman Muhamad, the Malaysian Ambassador to China, Han Jun, the Chinese Minister of Agriculture, Wang Chang Song, the chair of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Tianjin, and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, were all present to receive the esteemed couple.
The Prime Minister’s visit to China is predicated on an explicit invitation by the Chinese President Xi Jinping. The pinnacle of the trip entails attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, a high-level international gathering. Following their arrival, the duo made a beeline for the Summit’s Gala Dinner, hosted by Xi himself.
On the first day of the week, the Prime Minister, assuming the role of Chair of Asean, will be pivotal in providing commentary at the SCO Plus Summit. His commitment is clear – to steadfastly establish Malaysia and Asean as pivotal conduits for trade as well as foreign investment opportunities.
Malaysia’s participation at the SCO Summit is demonstrative of its impetus to uplift the Asean-SCO relations. Moreover, its strategic position allows it to act as a connecting bridge between Asean and SCO member countries. This catalyzes transformative cooperation in trade, economic pursuits, and more multilateral areas.
Additionally, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled deliver a lecture at the prestigious Tianjin University. This engagement underscores the efforts to foster academic partnership and cross-cultural exchange between the two countries.
As a part of his itinerary, the Prime Minister has scheduled high-profile meetings with Chinese leadership. He is expected to make a courtesy call to President Xi Jinping as well as arrange a bilateral dialogue with the Premier, Li Qiang. This exchange of meetings reflects the shared goals for continued collaboration and mutual growth.
Anwar’s time in China will also include attending the Victory Day Parade which marks the 80th anniversary of World War II’s conclusion. This is an important moment of reflection and mutual respect for the historical events and their impacts on both nations.
During this visit, Anwar will also meet with prominent Chinese investors from various sectors. Even though specific details aren’t provided, these meetings span across multiple cities, reinforcing the strong economic ties that exist between the two nations.
This trip marks the Prime Minister’s fourth journey to China during his tenure. A clear demonstration of the enduring bilateral bond that has existed between the two countries since their formal diplomatic initiation on May 31, 1974.
China has consistently topped the list as Malaysia’s largest trade partner for a impressive streak of 16 years, dating back from 2009. The total bilateral trade reached an overwhelming RM484.12bil in the year 2024, forming a noteworthy 16.8% of Malaysia’s total global trade.
Accompanying the Prime Minister on this significant delegation are several key members from his cabinet. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, and Transport Minister Anthony Loke will join Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz in reinforcing the broad bilateral ties.
The delegation reflects a concerted effort by the Malaysian government to facilitate a comprehensive dialogue across several areas of cooperation. This will further strengthen the ties between the two nations, enabling them to build a double-win situation based on mutual trust and respect.