China backs Kuala Lumpur’s efforts to strengthen cooperation between China, ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council

China has reaffirmed its support for Malaysia’s bid to become a full member of BRICS while expressing hope that Kuala Lumpur will continue playing a key role in strengthening cooperation between Beijing and ASEAN member states.

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said China reiterated its backing during his meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. He added that Chinese President Xi Jinping had previously expressed the same position.

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described China’s support as important, particularly after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim secured the backing of BRICS founding members for Malaysia’s full membership of the group, as reported by BERNAMA, a TV BRICS partner.

The Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister also said China hoped Malaysia would continue acting as a bridge to strengthen cooperation between China and ASEAN member states.

The cooperation also includes the use of the renminbi in trade transactions between China and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, he said. Greater use of the currency could affect exchange transactions between the Malaysian ringgit and renminbi, as well as currency exchanges with Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

China is set to assume the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and host the group’s 19th summit.

African Times published this article in partnership with International Media Network TV BRICS