Three-day visit marks diplomatic milestones, economic cooperation, and regional ASEAN-China commitments
Chinese President Xi Jinping has wrapped up his second state visit to Malaysia, strengthening diplomatic and economic ties before departing to Cambodia.
Xi Departs Malaysia After Three-Day State Visit
Chinese President Xi Jinping departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 10.04am today, concluding his three-day official visit to Malaysia. The send-off was conducted with full ceremonial honours by the First Battalion Royal Ranger Regiment (Ceremonial), while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan bid farewell at the Bunga Raya Complex.
The vibrant farewell ceremony featured cultural performances by the Arjunasukma Academy and school bands from SMK Yu Hua, Sekolah Seri Puteri, and the Royal Malaysia Police Band. Traditional melodies such as Rasa Sayang, Wau Bulan, and Tarian Dabus added a colourful finale to the visit.
Diplomatic Engagements and State Ceremonies
Xi’s visit—his second to Malaysia since 2013—was held at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim. The itinerary included a formal welcoming ceremony, a royal banquet at Istana Negara, and high-level bilateral discussions with Anwar at the Seri Perdana Complex. The leaders explored opportunities to invigorate bilateral cooperation and shared perspectives on regional and international issues.
31 Agreements Signed to Deepen Cooperation
During the visit, both countries exchanged 31 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), agreements, and diplomatic notes, covering areas including trade, digital economy, infrastructure, and cultural exchange. Xi also attended an official dinner hosted by Anwar. While full details were not released, the agreements signify a strengthening of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership initiated during Xi’s last visit.
Malaysia was the second stop in Xi’s three-nation Southeast Asia tour, which began in Vietnam and will conclude in Cambodia. It marks his first round of international state visits in 2025. As Malaysia currently chairs ASEAN and serves as the coordinator for ASEAN–China Dialogue Relations, both countries reaffirmed their joint commitment to deepen multilateral cooperation based on mutual trust and people-centric growth.
50 Years of Malaysia-China Relations
Malaysia and China first established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974. In 2024, both countries marked the 50th anniversary of this partnership. China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years since 2009. Last year, bilateral trade reached RM484.12 billion, representing 16.8% of Malaysia’s total trade volume of RM2.88 trillion.
Xi’s Malaysia visit not only reinforced half a century of strategic cooperation but also paved the way for new bilateral and regional advancements. The symbolic ceremonies and substantial agreements signal enduring collaboration between Malaysia and China, with implications for ASEAN connectivity, cross-border trade, and shared diplomatic leadership in Southeast Asia.
Sources: The Star (2025), Free Malaysia Today (2025)
Keywords: President Xi Malaysia, Malaysia China MoUs, ASEAN China Dialogue, Anwar Xi Meeting, Malaysia Trade China
