At an official dinner held in honour of Chinese president Xi Jinping, Anwar said China’s initiatives were bringing “a new lease of hope” at a time when the international order was fraying.
“They look outward, not inward. They speak not of rivalry, but of renewal,” he said.
Anwar said the current global climate was increasingly marked by protectionism and unilateralism, with some nations undermining cooperation and long-standing commitments.
“In some quarters, the rules-based order has been turned on its head. Dialogue has yielded to demands, tariffs are imposed without restraint and the language of cooperation is drowned beneath the noise of threats and coercion.
“What we are witnessing today is not an honest reckoning with the imperfections of globalisation, but a retreat into economic tribalism.
“Market access is being weaponised. What was once a multilateral covenant for shared growth now buckles under the weight of arbitrary disruption and unilateral whim,” he said.
Anwar highlighted Malaysia’s appreciation for China’s steady and reliable approach during turbulent times.
“In these trying times, the world yearns for steadiness, reliability and purpose. We see this in China’s conduct.
“Malaysia acknowledges such steadiness with quiet recognition and is conscious not only of the calm it has brought, but of the hope it may continue to offer,” he said.
Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to its relationship with China, which is rooted in mutual respect and shared civilisational values.
“With China, we have actualised this axiom in holding civilisational dialogues, such as between Islam and Confucianism, to strengthen further the bonds of understanding – underscoring the importance of stressing our commonalities in the pursuit of shared values of harmony and prosperity,” he said.
Anwar said Malaysia would remain an “unwavering and principled friend” of China.
“May the friendship between Malaysia and China endure deep as the seas, steady as the stars, and bright with the promise of tomorrow,” he said.
Xi expressed confidence that Malaysia would achieve greater success under the leadership of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and Anwar.
He also highlighted how the two countries have come a long way over 50 years of formal diplomatic relations.
“Over the past 50-plus years since we began formal diplomatic relations, we have worked together and built a relationship as solid as a stone and only getting stronger.
“Politically, we respect and trust each other; economically, we enjoy mutually beneficial cooperation; culturally, we learn from and invigorate one another. This relationship is benefitting our people in real ways,” he said at the dinner.