China Supports Malaysia's Accelerated Bid to Join BRICS Bloc

China Backs Malaysia's Bid for Faster BRICS Membership

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his support for accelerating Malaysia's full membership into the BRICS group of emerging economies. This significant development was announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, highlighting the growing ties and strategic alignment between the two nations.

Prime Minister Anwar noted that President Xi's endorsement came during recent discussions, signaling China's positive view on Malaysia's integration into the influential bloc. Malaysia has formally applied to join BRICS, a move that reflects its ambition to strengthen its position in the global economic landscape and foster greater cooperation with key developing countries.

Understanding the BRICS Alliance

BRICS is an intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Originally formed to highlight the growing economic power of its founding members, BRICS aims to promote peace, security, development, and cooperation, contributing significantly to global development and reforms in international governance.

For countries like Malaysia, joining BRICS offers potential benefits such as enhanced trade opportunities, increased foreign investment, and a stronger collective voice on international platforms, particularly in discussions related to economic policy and global finance. Membership could also diversify Malaysia's economic partnerships beyond traditional Western alliances.

Strengthening Malaysia-China Relations

The support from China comes amidst a period of robust bilateral relations between Beijing and Kuala Lumpur. President Xi Jinping recently conveyed his greetings to the Malaysian King, demonstrating mutual respect at the highest levels of leadership. Furthermore, Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Aziz, reiterated Malaysia's readiness to serve as a key partner for China, underscoring the depth of their economic and political collaboration.

In a related event, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also launched a book about Malaysia written by a renowned Chinese economist. Such cultural and intellectual exchanges further cement the bonds between the two countries, fostering a deeper understanding and paving the way for future collaborations across various sectors.

What happens next

Malaysia's application to join BRICS will now proceed through the formal channels of the organization. The backing from a major member like China is a strong positive signal, but the process typically involves consultations and agreement among all existing BRICS members. If approved, Malaysia would join the expanded BRICS group, potentially in the near future, further diversifying the bloc's geographical representation and economic influence, particularly in Southeast Asia.