Beijing, (TDI): Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar is set to visit China from Thursday to Sunday, marking his first trip to a non-ASEAN country since assuming office as head of state.
The visit is expected to deepen bilateral ties, with both nations seeking to enhance cooperation and contribute to regional stability.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will host a formal welcome ceremony and a banquet in honor of the Malaysian monarch.
The two heads of state are expected to hold discussions on advancing China-Malaysia relations.
Additionally, Chinese Premier Li Qiang will meet with Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar during his stay, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, who briefed the media on Wednesday.
Sultan Ibrahim, who was formally installed as Malaysia’s new king in July, is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Malaysia’s ministers of transport, housing and local government, foreign affairs, as well as senior officials from the National Palace and other ministries.
Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties
China and Malaysia are marking the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties this year.
The visit underscores the enduring strength of the two nations’ comprehensive strategic partnership.
Experts believe that this visit will inject fresh momentum into their relationship, particularly in light of growing economic cooperation between the two countries.
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Lin Jian emphasized that China is keen to use this opportunity to deepen its traditional friendship with Malaysia, enhance strategic alignment, and further enrich the comprehensive partnership.
Both nations are also committed to building a “China-Malaysia community with a shared future,” which aims to foster mutual benefit for both peoples and contribute to regional development.
The timing of the Malaysian king’s visit is considered crucial for strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially in the economic sphere.
Xu Liping, a senior analyst from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted that Malaysia’s balanced diplomatic approach, particularly in the face of increasing geopolitical competition in the region, has allowed it to pursue closer ties with both major global powers.
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He highlighted the importance of maintaining regional stability, especially in relation to the South China Sea, where both countries have key interests.
As part of his visit, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar will also participate in a naming ceremony of the Chair of Malay Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, which has been named in his honor.
This visit follows Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s trip to Malaysia earlier this year, during which both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership.
