6-9-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, emphasized the importance of mutual trust in shaping future collaborations between Malaysia and China. During the 26th Asean-China Summit, Anwar highlighted China as a significant neighbor and trade partner for Malaysia and its Asean counterparts.
Anwar acknowledged the presence of China’s Premier Li Qiang at the summit, which he believed further strengthened the camaraderie among all stakeholders. However, he emphasized that trust and discussions at the multilateral level, particularly regarding security and protecting the interests of both China and Asean, would be crucial factors in determining future collaborations.
The summit took place against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the South China Sea. China’s release of a new map asserting claims over disputed areas, which are also claimed by some Asean members, sparked protests, including from Malaysia.
Anwar assured that Malaysia had taken a firm and independent stance in safeguarding its own interests and those of the region. He expressed the country’s eagerness to enhance the relationship with China, suggesting that cooperation should begin with the third version of the Asean-China Free Trade Agreement.
Anwar also mentioned Malaysia’s Madani Economic Framework and emphasized the importance of issues such as food security and digital information in the bilateral relationship. He called for the Asean-China Technical Cooperation Agreement to identify new areas of cooperation in innovation, technology, and education. Anwar expressed confidence that such collaboration, under China’s leadership, would benefit both government programs and people-to-people interests, particularly through the planned 2024 Year of Asean China people-to-people exchange.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo echoed similar sentiments during the summit, emphasizing the need for concrete cooperation between Asean and China, with a focus on mutual trust.
This summit marked Premier Li Qiang’s debut on the Asean stage and his first visit to an Asian country since assuming office in March.
