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Li Qiang’s visit spotlights Malaysia’s China-US diplomatic dance
- Malaysia wants to ‘profit’ from its China ties, but analysts say it risks losing critical US investments if it gets too close
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In a swirl of chummy diplomacy, Malaysia and China signed deals this week to boost trade in fresh durian, increase tourism and green tech cooperation, and fight transborder crime.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang returned from his maiden visit to the Southeast Asian nation, a three-day trip celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties, with a slate of shared trade and investment commitments.
But experts say the visit – the first by a top Chinese leader in over a decade – highlights the challenge Malaysia faces striking a balance between the economic bonanza afforded by its geographical proximity to China and its defence and geopolitical interests, which are propped up by Western partners.
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China has ranked as Malaysia’s top trade partner for 15 years running.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday said he wanted Malaysia “to profit from this engagement” with Beijing, although experts warn this could invite accusations of pivoting towards the Asian giant and forgetting older friends.
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“Anwar’s public posturing may be interpreted to be too pro-China, despite his rhetoric of supporting universal values that the US and the West are promoting,” said Tunku Mohar Mokhtar, a geopolitical analyst with the International Islamic University Malaysia.
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