Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim commits to peaceful cooperation with China in South China sea

Statement came as two nations commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations marking kings first official trip in decade

During a state visit to China, Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar affirmed his country’s commitment to collaborating with China to maintain peace in the resource-rich South China Sea.

This statement came as the two nations commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations, marking the king's first official trip to China in a decade.

Meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, Sultan Ibrahim emphasized Malaysia’s readiness to “join hands with China” to foster stability in the region.

The visit included a ceremonial welcome and discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral ties.

Xi praised the long-standing friendship between China and Malaysia, stating that the anniversary presents an opportunity to deepen cooperation and create a “China-Malaysia community with a shared future.”

He expressed China’s eagerness to support Malaysia in its development initiatives and highlighted the potential for high-quality collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), focusing on infrastructure and other key projects.

Sultan Ibrahim expressed appreciation for China's development achievements and confirmed Malaysia’s intent to bolster cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange

He also noted Malaysia’s support for Xi’s Global Development Initiative and its commitment to building stronger partnerships within ASEAN, where Malaysia will assume the rotating presidency in 2025.

Tensions have occasionally surfaced in the South China Sea, where China claims extensive territorial rights, overlapping with claims from Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei.

Recently, Malaysia faced diplomatic friction over oil exploration activities in the area, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim indicating ongoing communication with China on these matters.

Sultan Ibrahim conveyed Malaysia’s respect for China's position on global issues, including the Palestinian situation, and emphasized the importance of joint efforts in addressing regional challenges.

The king’s visit is anticipated to result in discussions about implementing previously signed agreements and exploring further areas of collaboration, particularly in new energy, digital technology, and higher education.

This trip marks a significant moment for Malaysia, highlighting the increasingly vital role of the monarchy in diplomatic engagements. While the Malaysian king traditionally holds a ceremonial position, his influence has grown in guiding the country’s foreign relations and defense policies.

The visit includes scheduled meetings with various Chinese officials, aiming to enhance mutual understanding and foster closer ties between the two nations.

Sultan Ibrahim's itinerary also features stops at notable educational and technological institutions in Beijing, reinforcing the emphasis on collaborative learning and innovation.

As both nations look toward the future, they are poised to strengthen their partnership in various domains, contributing to regional stability and development in the Asia-Pacific region.