'Bandung spirit' inspiring for dynamic Southeast Asia

Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Malaysia from Tuesday to Thursday marks a pivotal moment in the deepening of bilateral relations. His visit, 12 years since his first visit to Malaysia in 2013, comes at a cathartic moment when the world is moving toward a multipolar order.

Following high-level leaders' mutual visits in the past two years, President Xi's visit this year is expected to further enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. Malaysia's pivotal role as the ASEAN Chair for this year, the enduring legacy of the 1955 Bandung Conference, and the goal to strengthen regional stability all contribute to the significance of this visit.

The Belt and Road Initiative has become a cornerstone of China-Malaysia relations, fostering significant infrastructure development and economic integration. A flagship bilateral collaboration project under the initiative is the East Coast Rail Link, which covers 665 kilometers and connects Port Klang on Malaysia's west coast to Kota Bharu on the east coast.