Malaysia's Prime Minister to Attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China

Strategic Insights -

Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, an honor that reflects the country's leadership and role in advocating cooperation and global stability. This invitation marks a significant milestone for Malaysia, as it is not an observer state nor a dialogue partner to the SCO. The Chinese government's invitation is a manifestation of the close and strategic relations between Malaysia and China, as well as recognition of Malaysia's vital role as the current Asean Chair.

Key Takeaways:

  • Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will attend the SCO Summit on Monday, delivering remarks at the SCO Plus Summit on September 1.
  • Anwar's invitation is a manifestation of the close and strategic relations between Malaysia and China, as well as recognition of Malaysia's vital role as the current Asean Chair.
  • Malaysia does not have formal ties with the SCO, yet it has been invited, highlighting China's views on Malaysia and Asean as key players in strengthening multilateral relations.
  • The Prime Minister's address at the SCO Plus Summit will further Malaysia's perspectives on regional and international issues, reinforcing the country's commitment to regional peace, neutrality, and stability.
  • The Prime Minister's delegation will include his wife, Foreign Minister, Home Minister, Transport Minister, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister.
  • Apart from the SCO Summit, the Prime Minister will also attend the Victory Day Parade to mark 80 years after the end of World War II in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, on September 3.
  • The Prime Minister will also meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and hold a series of business engagements with top Chinese investors and founders of numerous Chinese multinational companies.
  • China has remained Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 years since 2009, with total trade valued at RM484.12 billion in 2024.

Statistics:

  • Total trade between Malaysia and China is valued at RM484.12 billion in 2024.
  • Malaysia's total global trade is RM2.879 trillion.
  • The Prime Minister's four-day working visit to China is his fourth since assuming office in November 2022.
  • Malaysia's Prime Minister will be accompanied by his wife and several ministers during the visit.
  • The Prime Minister's public lecture at Tianjin University will be entitled "Sovereign Interdependence: Building a Shared Future in Asia".

Sources:

  • Malaysian media
  • Malaysian Prime Minister's Office
  • Chinese government
  • Asean Secretariat