Anwar asserts Malaysia’s sovereignty even as he turns to China

[superadmin]

BEIJING – It is not uncommon for a newly elected leader to visit major trading partners within a year of taking office. However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s jam-packed four-day visit to China plays a bigger role than just renewing bilateral ties and photo opportunities.

He was accorded a lavish welcome where Anwar separately met the three highest-ranking members of the Chinese government at the Great Hall of the People here last week.

Of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Anwar had said the two spoke at length on common themes in Xi’s Community for a Shared Future for Mankind concept and Malaysia Madani.

Xi had reaffirmed China’s readiness to work with Malaysia to promote Asian civilisations and prosperity while continuing to respect Asean centrality in issues on global security and South China Sea disputes, especially amid tensions with the United States.

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