Xi Jinping seeks ‘cooperation’ as Najib Razak takes swipe at West
Visiting Malaysian prime minister signs US$34 billion in trades deals and pens China Daily editorial warning West to stop lecturing former colonial subjects
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on China and Malaysia to deepen mutual political trust and economic cooperation.
In talks with visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Xi called on the two nations to enhance mutual understanding on issues of major concern, without giving specifics.
“China and Malaysia should maintain high-level exchanges, enhance political trust, and continuously understand and support the big issues of each other’s major concern,” Xi was quoted as saying by the state-run CCTV.
Xi also said China welcomed Malaysia’s participation in the “One Belt, One Road” initiatives – China ambitious infrastructure and trade push that would connect Asia with Europe and Africa.
The talks between Xi and Najib came after the two nations signed 14 deals worth US$34.25 billion on Tuesday, and vowed to boost defence, economic and trade cooperation. Malaysia agreed to buy four Chinese naval vessels known as littoral mission ships, one of the 14 deals spanning port construction, gas pipelines and water desalination plants.