China’s Li Qiang opens Malaysia visit ‘ready’ to build closer economic, development ties
- The Chinese premier’s trip to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations coincides with news of Kuala Lumpur’s intention to join Beijing-backed Brics
In a statement released on his arrival in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday evening, Beijing’s No 2 official also praised the “consolidated strategic trust” between the two countries, which are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties.
“China is ready to work with Malaysia … to further synergise development strategies, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and increase exchanges and mutual learning between civilisations,” Li said.
It is Li’s first visit to Malaysia since he took office in March last year, and is part of high-level visits between the two countries as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations.
Beijing has also been forging closer bonds with regional capitals like Kuala Lumpur that have refused to pick a side in the geopolitical rivalry between the US and China, instead signalling a readiness to expand interactions with the world’s second-biggest economy.