Malaysia-China Relations Continue To Flourish, Expand Into Emerging Sectors
By Ahmad Irfan Che Mohd Ruzaidi
BEIJING, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia-China relations continue to flourish, with both countries committed to strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, technology and other high-potential areas, said Malaysia’s Ambassador to China Norman Muhamad.
He said China remained an important partner for Malaysia, with bilateral ties based on mutual respect and trust continuing to produce positive results across various sectors over the 52 years since diplomatic relations were established.
“The relationship between Malaysia and China, which is based on mutual respect and trust, continues to grow from strength to strength,” he said in his remarks at the Malaysia National Day Reception held at the China World Hotel here tonight (Tuesday).
Norman said China had remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, with total bilateral trade reaching US$132.50 billion (RM541.90 billion) in 2025, accounting for 17.7 per cent of Malaysia’s total global trade.
He said bilateral trade continued to perform strongly this year, reaching US$35.49 billion (RM140.76 billion) from January to March 2026, while cumulative implemented investment from China between 1980 and 2025 stood at US$24.5 billion (RM110.9 billion).
“These implemented investments have created 106,712 jobs for the Malaysian people,” he said, adding that Malaysia remained committed to attracting sustainable investments that would generate positive spillover effects for the national economy.
Norman said Malaysia also sought to expand cooperation with China in emerging and high-potential sectors, including technical and vocational education and training (TVET), the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI) and green technology, in line with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the National Semiconductor Strategy and the Green Investment Strategy.
He said Malaysia, China and 36 other countries signed an agreement in July to become founding members of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), with Malaysia among seven ASEAN member states involved in its establishment.
“Malaysia stands committed to and fully supports WAICO’s aims of promoting international cooperation and global governance on AI.
“We must ensure that AI is beneficial, safe, fair and open to all,” he said.
Norman also said Malaysia welcomed China’s initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilisation Initiative, while stressing the importance of an international environment based on equality and international law.
“For Malaysia and China, the only way forward is to move forward together.
“Malaysia stands ready to work hand in hand with our Chinese friends to build a better future for both our peoples,” he said.
The reception, held in conjunction with Malaysia’s 69th National Day and the 63rd anniversary of the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, was attended by 440 guests, including Chinese government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, Malaysian Embassy officials, media practitioners, university students, industry players and Malaysians in Beijing.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu, who is also a member of the Communist Party of China Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was the guest of honour.
-- BERNAMA
