Xi Jinping’s Malaysia Visit Poised to Catalyze China–ASEAN Free Trade Expansion

Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim warned against "economic tribalism" in a veiled swing to Washington, praising Xi Jinping's conduct as a model of steadiness.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim greets Chinese President Xi Jinping upon his arrival in Kuala Lumpur on April 15, 2025. Image via @anwaribrahim.

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia today is more than a ceremonial display; it’s seen as a calculated move to solidify China’s economic influence in Southeast Asia, just as the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA 3.0) nears completion and Washington reintroduces sweeping tariffs under President Trump.

Xi arrived in Kuala Lumpur at the invitation of King Sultan Ibrahim for a three-day official tour. During the visit, he met the Sultan and PM Anwar Ibrahim, and high-level talks will be scheduled to cover bilateral cooperation and wider regional and international concerns.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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