King of Malaysia Begins Historic State Visit to China September 19

The anticipation is building as His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, prepares to embark on his first state visit to China, beginning September 19 and concluding on September 22. This highly anticipated trip comes at the personal invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and marks a significant event in the diplomatic calendar for both nations.

His Majesty’s state visit to China underscores the strength and depth of the bilateral relations between Malaysia and China. These ties have been flourishing since the countries forged a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2013. Accompanying His Majesty on this important journey are notable figures such as Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zain, along with senior officials from Istana Negara and various ministries and agencies.

As part of this historic visit, His Majesty will be granted a grand ceremonial welcome at the iconic Great Hall of the People in Beijing. This will be followed by an audience with President Xi Jinping, who will honor His Majesty with a state banquet. Adding to the list of momentous engagements, His Majesty has also graciously consented to have an audience with Premier Li Qiang.

His Majesty’s itinerary includes attending a poignant naming ceremony at Beijing Foreign Studies University, where a Chair of Malay Studies will be named in his honor. Additionally, he will engage with the vibrant Malaysian diaspora in China, further strengthening the cultural and people-to-people ties that underpin the Malaysia-China relationship.

This visit is not merely ceremonial; it presents an exceptional opportunity for both Malaysia and China to reaffirm their shared commitment to fostering a forward-looking, dynamic, and mutually beneficial relationship. The timing of His Majesty’s visit is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. In celebration of this milestone, a series of activities have been planned, including the issuance of commemorative stamps and coins, and the publication of a special coffee table book released on June 19, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur during Premier Li’s visit.

More celebratory events were held on May 31 in Beijing and June 19 in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting the enduring friendship between the two countries. The economic ties between Malaysia and China remain robust, with China maintaining its position as Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. In 2023, trade between the two nations reached a remarkable RM450.84 billion (US$98.90 billion), accounting for 17.1 percent of Malaysia’s global trade. The first half of 2024 alone saw a trade value of RM234.09 billion (US$49.53 billion), reflecting the ongoing growth trajectory of their economic partnership. Additionally, 24 manufacturing projects, totaling investments of RM3.4 billion (US$717.7 million), were approved in the first quarter of 2024.

As His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim commences this significant state visit, it is evident that Malaysia and China are poised to continue building upon their robust partnership, paving the way for future collaboration and shared prosperity.