Anwar wraps China visit with RM36.8b in trade, investment pledges

Anwar wraps China visit with RM36.8b in trade, investment pledges



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim holds a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Mingyuan Hall of the West Lake State Guest House in Hangzhou on September 24, 2026. — Bernama pic


Summary

• Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's visit to China marked a significant enhancement of Malaysia-China strategic relations, moving beyond routine diplomacy to solidify Malaysia's role as a key partner in Southeast Asia.
• This visit resulted in a potential RM28.6 billion investment in high-impact sectors, reflecting mutual trust and economic cooperation.
• Discussions also addressed the concerns of local MSMEs and emphasized ethical digital technology, fair trade, and skills development.
• The relationship, built on strong personal ties between Anwar and Premier Li Qiang, positions Malaysia to maximize economic benefits through MADANI Diplomacy.

First Published: Friday, 25 Sep 2026 4:06 PM MYT


HANGZHOU, Sept 25 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's three-day working visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou, China, is not just a routine diplomatic trip, but rather a new benchmark for the continuation of strategic relations that strengthen cooperation in various fields between the two countries.

Amidst the global geopolitical and economic uncertainties, the MADANI Diplomacy approach brought by Putrajaya has proven to be fruitful, thus strengthening Malaysia's role as Beijing's main strategic partner in the Southeast Asian region.

The working visit at the invitation of the Chinese government not only strengthens bilateral relations, but also opens up new opportunities for Malaysia to expand investments, export markets and cooperation in strategic and high-value economic areas.

Among the main returns of the visit was the potential investment worth RM28.6 billion from meetings with 26 Chinese companies, including five of the republic's giants, particularly in high-impact sectors such as semiconductors, mainstreaming artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, electric vehicles (EV), battery materials, advanced optics, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.


The commitment of companies such as robotics giants AgiBot Innovation, ZTE Corporation, Alibaba Group, Geely Automobile Holdings and Huawei Technologies to increase investment is based on confidence in the stability and policies implemented by the MADANI Government.

Also achieved as a result of this visit was the potential export to China worth RM8.2 billion for a period of one to three years.

Summarising the overall outcome of the visit, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the relationship between Malaysia and China is now at a very strong level and is developing positively.


Describing the close relationship between Malaysia and China today as having gone beyond the usual diplomatic framework, the Prime Minister said this bilateral relationship is based on mutual trust, sincerity and confidence in order to bring prosperity and benefits to the people of both countries.

During the packed working visit, Anwar stressed the long-standing trust and mutual confidence forming the basis of the Malaysia-China bilateral relationship and cooperation that goes beyond traditional diplomatic ties.

The Malaysia-China relationship also translates into a broader agenda covering connectivity, protection of local enterprises, the digital economy, and talent and skills development.

While delivering a keynote address at the plenary session of WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, Anwar said Malaysia has elevated Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as the core of the country's industrial policy and an instrument of economic transformation, particularly in ensuring talent development goes hand in hand with investment inflows.

"Malaysia and China are well positioned to do more together. Investments come to Malaysia for various reasons. But we all know that it grows especially when there are sufficient skills to support it,” he said.

While in Hangzhou, Malaysia's first-ever participation in the Fifth Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) provided exposure to the exploration of new technologies and AI applications that deserve to be learned and drawn from China's rapid progress.

Malaysia also offers a stable, well-connected and business-friendly base for partners from China and globally to forge strategic partnerships.

Malaysia's participation in both important Chinese events and Anwar's presence to deliver the keynote address at the WorldSkills Conference 2026 and GDTE is a high recognition for Malaysia and the country's leadership.

The Prime Minister had the opportunity to voice his stance on the importance of ethical digital technology, fair and free digital trade and shared prosperity through strategic national cooperation.

Anwar also expressed recognition of China's rapid progress in the fields of digital technology and AI as well as its role in sharing technological advances with countries in the Global South.

The bilateral meeting and discussions between the two Malaysian and Chinese delegations at the West Lake State Guest House, Hangzhou, highlighted the level of personal chemistry between Anwar and China Premier Li Qiang.

The close relationship between the two leaders is not a secret. Repeated meetings since Anwar's tenure as the country's leader in November 2022 reflect a high-level of mutual trust that goes beyond formal diplomatic protocols.

This closeness allows complex issues such as supply chains, the implementation of infrastructure projects and regional and international geopolitical stability to be discussed in a frank and relaxed, yet effective manner.

Among the matters discussed during the bilateral meeting was the agreement between Malaysia and China on the proposal to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, thus providing economic spillover and prosperity to rural areas in Kelantan.

Also given attention was the concerns of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Malaysia regarding foreign market domination that could affect local interests.

"This matter has been raised directly and we have received assurances from the relevant companies, including Alibaba and Li himself, that the best method will be sought so that business dealings do not affect the interests of MSMEs in Malaysia," said Anwar.

This working visit not only maintains China's status as Malaysia's largest trading partner, but also redefines the landscape of cooperation from traditional commodity trade to the digital economy, artificial intelligence and high skills.

China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching US$113.82 billion (RM456.68 billion) for the period January to August this year.

The combination of pragmatic MADANI Diplomacy and the close relationship between Anwar and Li puts Malaysia in the best position to maximise economic benefits for the well-being of the people. — Bernama