Chinese FM Calls For Joint Efforts With Malaysia To Promote Bilateral, ASEAN Cooperation

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- China stands ready to work with Malaysia to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Thursday.

According to Xinhua, Wang – also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee – made the remarks during his meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

He called for the full implementation of joint Belt and Road projects, including the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative.

He also called for deeper cooperation in emerging and frontier sectors to jointly build a regional hub for new quality productive forces.

Wang also highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties through ongoing efforts such as the Confucian-Islamic dialogue and the upcoming mutual visa exemption agreement.

On China-ASEAN relations, Wang reaffirmed that the two sides are good neighbours, friends, and partners. He said the completion of negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area demonstrates their shared commitment to expanding the common market and upholding free trade.

Criticising the United States’ imposition of high tariffs on ASEAN countries, Wang described the move as unilateral and bullying, asserting that China’s countermeasures are intended to safeguard not just its own interests but also that of all countries, including ASEAN members.

He added that China is willing to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN to uphold multilateralism, ensure supply chain stability, and promote inclusive globalisation.

Mohamad, in response, said Malaysia-China relations are at their historical best, and emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between Malaysia and China as well as ASEAN cooperation amid growing global uncertainty. He reiterated Malaysia’s support for the One-China policy and for China’s three global initiatives – the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative.

He said Malaysia is committed to deepening practical cooperation with China in areas such as trade, infrastructure, the digital economy, and green development.

On the issue of tariffs, Mohamad stressed that Malaysia remains guided by ASEAN’s collective interests and values, rather than narrow self-interest.

--BERNAMA