China and Malaysia pledged to uphold peace in the South China Sea, resolve disputes peacefully, and deepen global cooperation, following Xi Jinping’s state visit. Both nations also reaffirmed support for multilateralism and international law.
China and Malaysia have agreed to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and resolve disputes through peaceful means. This was highlighted in a joint statement released after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia. Despite recent tensions involving Chinese vessels near Malaysian energy firm Petronas' operations, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s intent to continue activities within its exclusive economic zone.
Xi concluded his Southeast Asia tour with visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. The joint statement expressed hope for finalizing the long-awaited Code of Conduct between China and ASEAN by next year, a process that began slowly despite a pledge made in 2002.
Tensions persist in the South China Sea, where China claims nearly the entire area, overlapping with zones belonging to Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brunei. A 2016 international ruling rejected China's claims, though China refuses to acknowledge the decision.
The joint statement also promoted multilateralism and global trade cooperation, contrasting with the U.S.'s tariff-based approach. Both nations emphasized collaboration through international bodies like the UN, WTO, WHO, and BRICS, and opposed unilateral trade restrictions that violate WTO rules.
Malaysia reaffirmed its support for the one-China policy and rejected Taiwan's independence. Both countries also voiced support for a ceasefire in Gaza and recognized it as a legitimate part of Palestinian territory.
Read next
17:30
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to support international efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire in Ukraine, during their first official phone conversation since Merz took office.
14:15
major investment deal
Syria’s General Directorate of Ports announced Thursday the signing of a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China’s Fidi Contracting Company to develop over 1 million square meters across two key free trade zones, marking a major step in Syria’s bid to attract foreign investment.
11:00
Intense rainfall has triggered deadly landslides in China's southwest, prompting mass rescue operations and raising fresh concerns over climate-related disasters.
22:00
Central Asia
The second meeting of customs leaders from Central Asia and China was held in Almaty, focusing on digitalization, AI integration, border crossing agreements, and expanding cooperation to strengthen regional trade and logistics.
20:30
French President Emmanuel Macron urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to avoid tariffs on Cognac and to support ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza, as the leaders discussed trade tensions and global conflicts.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment