China’s Xi Meets Malaysian Leaders in Diplomatic Charm Offensive

(L-R) Chinese President Xi Jinping, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim attend a welcoming ceremony at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur on April 16, 2025. (Photo by Vincent Thian / POOL / AFP)

By Isabelle LEONG

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Malaysia’s king Wednesday in a state visit analysts said was aimed at burnishing Beijing’s credentials as a reliable partner and “not a hegemon.”

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