Premier Li Announces China-Malaysia Launch of 'Golden 50 Years' Partnership to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, during his visit to Kuala Lumpur on Monday, emphasized China's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Malaysia across a broad spectrum of sectors. Meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Li expressed China's readiness to deepen exchanges and collaboration as both nations look toward what he described as a new "Golden 50 Years" for their bilateral relationship. He underscored the importance of guiding these ties with principles such as mutual respect, trust, equality, and benefit for win-win outcomes.

Premier Li called for expanding trade and investment cooperation, particularly in emerging, high-growth fields like the digital economy, green economy, and artificial intelligence. He noted the need to promote integrated development along production, supply, and value chains, while also advancing key joint projects, including the high-profile "Two Countries, Two Parks" initiative and the East Coast Rail Link. According to Li, these measures are vital to reinforcing the economic momentum of the China-Malaysia community and building a shared future between the countries.

Beyond economic ties, Li highlighted the importance of people-to-people exchanges. He spoke of willingness to work closely with Malaysia to implement the mutual visa exemption agreement and deepen collaboration in culture, education, health, and sports. Such efforts, Li said, are crucial to strengthening emotional bonds between the people of both nations.

Addressing the broader international environment, Li voiced concern about the rise of unilateralism and protectionism. He stated that China, ASEAN, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) should enhance coordination to uphold open regionalism and support true multilateralism. In this context, Li highlighted the particular importance of the forthcoming ASEAN-China-GCC Summit, with Malaysia serving as both ASEAN Chair and the summit’s host country.

Prime Minister Anwar echoed Premier Li's sentiments, affirming that China is a trusted partner and good neighbor to Malaysia. He reiterated Malaysia's eagerness to bolster cooperation with China in trade, investment, and major infrastructure projects, such as the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" and the East Coast Rail Link. Anwar also indicated interest in expanding partnerships in new fields, including new energy, finance, natural resources, and artificial intelligence.

The Malaysian leader expressed strong support for multilateralism and welcomed China’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). As anticipation builds for the inaugural ASEAN-China-GCC Summit, Anwar conveyed Malaysia's hopes for fruitful outcomes from the meeting, underlining the nation’s commitment to regional stability, open trade, and collaborative solutions to global challenges.