China is poised to be Malaysia’s largest trading partner for the 17th consecutive year, with bilateral investment exceeding USD 20.8 billion and a surge in tourism following a visa exemption.
KUALA LUMPUR: China is likely to retain its position as Malaysia’s largest trading partner for the 17th consecutive year.
China’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, said cumulative Chinese investment in the country has surpassed USD 20.8 billion.
He noted the positive impact of the visa exemption agreement that took effect in July 2025.
Over four million Chinese visitors travelled to Malaysia in the first 10 months of the year.
Ouyang emphasised the need for better alignment between Malaysia’s development plans and China’s 15th Five-Year Plan.
“We should leverage our complementary strengths, consolidate the integration and interconnection of industrial and supply chains, and keep advancing high-quality Belt and Road Initiative cooperation,” he said.
He stated China would continue sharing expertise to assist Malaysia’s development in key sectors.
These include artificial intelligence, new energy vehicles, digital sovereignty, 5G communications, and green technology.
Ouyang called for high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement.
He also urged an early enforcement of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol.
“We should uphold free trade and economic globalisation, and resolutely oppose unilateralism and protectionism,” he said.
He added that both nations, as important members of the Global South, should enhance coordination on international affairs.
China’s economic scale is highly likely to reach 140 trillion yuan this year.
Ouyang said China would continue to share its development opportunities with the world through high-level opening-up.
Meanwhile, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul said the ASEAN-China Plan of Action 2026-2030 will lay a strong foundation for future cooperation.
He noted it supports the realisation of the ASEAN 2045 vision.
“The signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 in October 2025 is both timely and necessary,” Johari said.
He stated it offers an opportunity to deepen economic resilience and unlock new avenues for cooperation.
He called for cooperation in strengthening economic ties and enhancing regional connectivity.
Johari also highlighted promoting sustainable development in areas like renewable energy and expanding people-to-people exchanges.
“Most importantly, we share a responsibility to uphold stability and cooperation in our region,” he said.
Johari added that constructive engagement, rather than speculation, has always been Malaysia’s approach.
He said structured dialogue enables both nations to understand policy priorities firsthand.
This helps identify areas for meaningful cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and climate resilience.
