Beyond trade: Anwar’s fourth China visit targets AI, digital economy and skills

Anwar’s fourth visit to China as prime minister will focus on expanding cooperation beyond traditional trade into AI, digital economy and TVET. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 21 Sep 2026 5:33 PM MYT

Last Modified: Monday, 21 Sep 2026 5:43 PM MYT

SHANGHAI, Sept 21 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou beginning Tuesday is aimed at deepening economic ties, advancing digital trade frameworks and highlighting the importance of technical talent development.

In his three-day working visit on the invitation of the Chinese government, Anwar’s robust itinerary centres on a high-level bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, alongside engagements at the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 and the Fifth Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou.

“This is the prime minister’s fourth visit to China (since becoming prime minister in 2023). This shows how familiar and close the relationship between Malaysia and China is.”

“Although this is a working visit, the prime minister has been honoured by Premier Li Qiang with a bilateral meeting between Malaysia and China, and also a dinner to be held in Hangzhou,” Malaysia’s Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad told the Malaysian media ahead of the prime minister’s arrival here on Tuesday. 

He said Anwar’s visit also aimed at initiating cooperation in new fields outside of traditional fields, such as education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), digital economy and AI.

The prime minister will also deliver a keynote address at the WorldSkills Conference 2026 and at the Fifth Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, will be accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

The prime minister is scheduled to hold talks with Li in Hangzhou, providing both leaders with another opportunity to review bilateral projects and explore strategic cooperation of the countries. 

Norman said that during the meeting, the two leaders are expected to discuss several matters to strengthen bilateral relations under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, in line with the aspiration of building a High-Level Strategic Malaysia–China Community with a Shared Future and President Xi Jinping’s initiatives including the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI).

Norman said the bilateral meeting was also expected to discuss the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) extension project from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang which will benefit connectivity and economic development.

Also discussed was the implementation of the upgrading of the Two Countries, Twin Parks project following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on April 17, 2025.

Apart from that, it also touched on the prime minister’s visit to Shenzhen in conjunction with the Apec Leaders’ Summit to be held in November this year as well as Malaysia’s participation as a founding member country of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO).

While in Hangzhou, Anwar is also scheduled to launch a book titled Rethinking Ourselves: Justice, Reform and Ignorance in Postnormal Times which has been translated into Chinese.

Norman said China had remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, with total bilateral trade reaching US$113.82 billion (RM456.68 billion) for the period of January to August. 

Anwar is also slated to meet Chinese captains of industry as part of efforts to attract quality investments into Malaysia. 

The session is expected to showcase investment opportunities in data centres, AI, semiconductors, electric vehicles, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, logistics and the digital economy. — Bernama