Premier Li Qiang on Monday arrived in Malaysia to attend the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit.

Li was welcomed by Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, among others, at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Malaysia is currently Asean's rotating chair.

Opening the annual Asean summit, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Southeast Asian nations will forge a common front to face challenges including economic headwinds from US tariffs and a four-year civil war in Myanmar.

Anwar said he has sought a unified bloc meeting with US President Donald Trump to discuss the tariffs.

Officials are hopeful it could happen later this year.

Anwar also said more engagement is being planned in Myanmar. "Quiet engagement matters. The steps may be small and the bridge may be fragile but as they say: In matters of peace, even a fragile bridge is better than a widening gulf,” he said.

In a meeting with Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, crown prince of Kuwait, Li said China looks forward to strengthening communication and cooperation with Asean and GCC countries to promote peace, prosperity and stability in Asia, and make positive contributions to upholding the interests of the Global South.

Li also said Beijing stands ready to deepen cooperation with Kuwait in areas such as energy, investment, green economy, digital economy and artificial intelligence, creating more avenues for mutual benefit.

The premier was on a visit to Indonesia before arriving in Malaysia.

Addressing a symposium for Chinese enterprises operating in Indonesia on Sunday, Li said China has made full preparations for external shocks.

He also said the world's second-largest economy has continued to recover the improve since the beginning of this year, with foreign trade in particular demonstrating strong resilience. (Xinhua/AP)
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Last updated: 2025-05-26 HKT 18:59