BEIJING, September 4 — Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged full support for Malaysia’s bid to become a permanent member of the Brics bloc, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed after their meeting at the Great Hall of the People.
Anwar described Xi’s backing as a significant honour, underscoring Malaysia’s growing role on the world stage. Malaysia, which became a partner country earlier this year, is now set to accelerate its path towards full membership in the 11-member group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and Egypt.
During his courtesy call on Xi, Anwar emphasized the need to swiftly implement the 31 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements signed during Xi’s state visit to Malaysia in April. “This relationship must be translated with immediate implementation of agreed matters.
Only with quick action can this special relationship bring meaningful impact to our people,” Anwar told the media. He added that Malaysia deeply values the sincerity and respect shown by China in its diplomatic ties.
Anwar reiterated his appreciation for China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation, stressing that even as a small nation, Malaysia can harness confidence, mutual trust and shared determination with China to shape a more peaceful, just, and prosperous future.
He also expressed strong support for Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Global Governance Initiative (GGI), commending China’s leadership at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with bilateral trade valued at US$106 billion last year. Anwar highlighted Malaysia’s efforts to increase high-value exports, particularly in electrical and electronics (E&E), aerospace, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and oil and gas.
Separately, Anwar also met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, reinforcing Malaysia’s intention to deepen cooperation across economic and infrastructural projects. Among the discussions was the proposal to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) to the Thai border at Rantau Panjang, which remains at the initial review stage.
Anwar concluded by affirming Malaysia’s commitment to its “special strategic comprehensive relations” with China. “We want to make sure that what was agreed upon will be implemented on the fast track, because I want this to really work,” he told Xi, signalling Malaysia’s determination to translate pledges into tangible outcomes.
