Beijing, September 3 – In a warm and promising exchange between two longtime allies, Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his full backing for Malaysia’s bid to become a full member of the BRICS bloc, a significant step that could further elevate Malaysia’s voice in global affairs.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shared the update during his working visit to China, following a personal meeting with President Xi at the iconic Great Hall of the People.
“President Xi stated his full support for accelerating Malaysia’s participation as a full member of BRICS,” said Anwar. “This is not just a diplomatic gesture — it’s a sign of growing trust and recognition of Malaysia’s role in the global community.”
The BRICS group — initially formed in 2009 and currently comprising 11 countries including powerhouses like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Egypt — welcomed Malaysia as a partner nation earlier in 2025. Now, the push is on for full membership.
Anwar and Xi’s meeting wasn’t just symbolic. It was filled with substance and strategy. The two leaders revisited the agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed during Xi’s state visit to Malaysia in April — a visit that marked a new chapter in China-Malaysia ties with 31 MOUs signed.
“I emphasized that we must turn those agreements into actions immediately. Real impact only comes when we deliver results that matter to the people,” Anwar noted.
Reflecting on the tone of the meeting, Anwar highlighted the genuine camaraderie. “President Xi showed real sincerity. And despite Malaysia being a relatively small country, we share a belief that mutual trust, respect, and shared ambition can be powerful tools for peace, justice, and prosperity,” he added.
Anwar also reiterated Malaysia’s full support for Xi’s global initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to strengthen global connectivity, and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), a vision introduced during the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
The Prime Minister also congratulated Xi on the successful hosting of that summit, calling it “historic and impactful.”
Beyond geopolitics, trade remains a solid foundation of the Malaysia-China relationship. For the 16th year running, China is Malaysia’s largest trading partner, with trade totaling a massive USD 106 billion in 2024.
Anwar confirmed that Malaysia is focusing on boosting high-value exports, saying, “We are committed to strengthening exports in areas like electrical and electronics (E&E), aerospace, medical, pharmaceutical, and oil and gas. We see China as a key partner in this journey.”
This latest development reaffirms Malaysia’s steady rise on the international stage — not just as a participant, but as a country shaping conversations, decisions, and futures.
