Beijing, September 3 – A significant chapter in Malaysia’s global journey was written yesterday when Chinese President Xi Jinping gave his full backing for Malaysia’s bid to become a full member of BRICS.
During a high-level meeting at the historic Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that Xi expressed strong support for Malaysia’s accelerated entry into the influential BRICS bloc — a move that could redefine Malaysia’s standing on the international stage.
“President Xi stated his full support for accelerating Malaysia’s participation as a full member of BRICS,” Anwar told Malaysian journalists on the sidelines of his four-day working visit to China. “It’s a great honor. It shows that Malaysia is being recognized as a vital player in global affairs.”
A Friendship Beyond Diplomacy
The meeting wasn’t just about policies and protocols — it was about two nations reaffirming their commitment to a deeper, more meaningful friendship.
Anwar shared that this engagement with Xi builds upon the solid foundation laid during the Chinese President’s state visit to Malaysia in April, which saw the signing of 31 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and bilateral agreements.
“I emphasized the importance of moving from words to action. The agreements must be implemented quickly if we want to see real impact on our people,” Anwar said passionately.
What stood out most was the warmth between the two leaders.
“I deeply appreciate President Xi’s sincerity. Despite Malaysia being a relatively small nation, we both agreed that with trust and mutual respect, we can work together to shape a peaceful, fair, and prosperous future,” he added. “Alhamdulillah, this friendship is built on genuine values.”
Vision for a Connected and Prosperous Future
Anwar also reiterated Malaysia’s firm support for China’s major initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), both of which aim to enhance international cooperation and connectivity.
He extended his congratulations to Xi on the successful hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, describing it as a “historic moment.”
Trade Ties Remain Strong
China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 years straight — and the numbers speak volumes. Bilateral trade hit US$106 billion last year, a reflection of the strong economic ties between the two nations.
Anwar emphasized Malaysia’s goal of increasing high-value exports, highlighting sectors like electronics and electrical (E&E), aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and energy.
“We are committed to pushing the envelope, not just as a trading partner, but as a nation driving innovation and sustainable growth,” he said.
