TL;DR
Li Qiang strongly advocates for deepening strategic coordination and expanding practical, mutually beneficial economic ties with Malaysia.
Key Points
He met with the King, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, in Kuala Lumpur on June 19, 2024, to advance bilateral ties.
During meetings in October 2025, he stated China is ready to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with Malaysia's 13th Malaysia Plan.
He called for expanding cooperation in areas like the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy during his October 2025 engagements.
Summary
Li Qiang has strongly positioned China to enhance its relationship with Malaysia, viewing it as a crucial neighbor and partner, particularly in advancing regional cooperation. During his June 2024 visit, he met with the King and the Prime Minister, aiming to implement high-level consensus on building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future. The visit, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, emphasized strengthening strategic coordination and leveraging the synergy between China's development plans and Malaysia's national plan. He described the relationship as a fine example for countries in the region.
His position centers on deepening practical cooperation, specifically encouraging Chinese investment in Malaysia and tapping into emerging fields like the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy to cultivate new growth drivers. Furthermore, he expressed readiness to strengthen multilateral coordination with Malaysia to uphold true multilateralism and safeguard international fairness. The Premier also called for expanded people-to-people and cultural exchanges to cement public support for the enduring bilateral friendship.
Key Quotes
China and Malaysia should strengthen the docking of development strategies, better leverage complementary advantages, expand two-way trade and investment, and vigorously promote cooperation in emerging areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Li Qiang's main focus is on strengthening strategic coordination and deepening practical cooperation between China and Malaysia. He views Malaysia as a priority in China's neighborhood diplomacy. He seeks to implement high-level consensus to further benefit both peoples.
The Premier highlighted several frontier areas for deepening economic partnership between the two nations. These include the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy sectors. He also encouraged competitive Chinese enterprises to continue their investments in Malaysia.
Yes, Li Qiang expressed China's readiness to strengthen multilateral coordination with Malaysia. This cooperation aims to implement global initiatives and practice true multilateralism to safeguard international fairness and justice. He commended Malaysia's role as ASEAN's rotating chair.
Sources7
Li Qiang to Visit Singapore and Attend the Leaders' Meetings on East Asian Cooperation in Malaysia
China ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with Malaysia -- premier
Chinese premier calls on China, Malaysia to enhance docking of development strategies
OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE PREMIER OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, HE LI QIANG TO MALAYSIA 18 TO 20 JUNE 2024
Tilting Toward Beijing? Malaysia's Relations with China after Li Qiang's Visit
Li Qiang Meets with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim
Remarks by H.E. Li Qiang Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China at the 20th East Asia Summit
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.