Chinese President Xi has arrived in Malaysia for a three-day state visit

PETALING JAYA: Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Malaysia for a three-day state visit beginning Tuesday (April 15).

The aircraft carrying Xi and his delegation landed at the Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), at approximately 6.48pm.

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim along with Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing were present to greet Xi’s delegation.

Xi was then warmly welcomed with a cultural performance featuring a medley of traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian drum rhythms by the Arjunasukma Academy from Gombak.

A 32-member marching band from Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Yu Hua, Kajang, also performed the songs “Lenggang Kangkung” and “Sejahtera Malaysia”.

Wisma Putra had said that the visit from April 15 to 17 was at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.

During his visit, Xi was accorded a state welcoming ceremony, followed by an audience with Sultan Ibrahim at Istana Negara.

Sultan Ibrahim would also graciously host a state banquet in honour of Xi and his delegation.

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Accompanied by Cabinet ministers and senior government officials, Xi was scheduled to meet with Anwar to discuss bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

“Both leaders will then witness the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding, Agreements, and Notes between Malaysia and China,” said Wisma Putra.

Anwar would also host an official dinner at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya in honour of Xi.

The visit was part of Xi’s first tour of state visits in 2025, including stops in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Xi’s last state visit to Malaysia occurred in 2013, during which both countries elevated their diplomatic relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Malaysia and China established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974. Having celebrated the 50th anniversary of these relations last year, both countries enjoy strong bilateral ties.

For sixteen years, since 2009, China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner.

The total value of trade between the two countries was RM484.12bil in 2024, representing 16.8% of Malaysia’s total global trade (RM2.879trillion).

As Chair of Asean and the Country Coordinator for Asean-China Dialogue Relations, Malaysia remains committed to advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Asean and China.

The Foreign Ministry stated that this would be pursued through dialogue, mutual trust, and initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of Asean and China.