Post by : Meena Ariff

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia has already clarified its recent trade agreement with the United States to Beijing, assuring China that the deal does not hinder Malaysia’s long-standing cooperation with the mainland.

Speaking after the launch of Perodua’s first electric vehicle at Menara Miti, Anwar said he conveyed the same message directly to Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

“They asked for some clarification, and we have provided it. There is no need to exaggerate the matter. China remains an extremely important trading partner,” he told reporters.

Beijing had earlier issued formal diplomatic complaints to both Malaysia and Cambodia over the trade arrangements signed with Washington during last month’s Asean Summit. China’s Ministry of Commerce expressed “grave concerns” about portions of the agreement, according to a government readout.

At the centre of China’s objections are provisions requiring Malaysia and Cambodia to align with U.S. restrictions involving national security, including export controls, sanctions on sensitive technologies, and limits on defence-related cooperation with third parties.

Malaysia signed the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States on October 26. Under the deal, Malaysia is expected to observe U.S. trade restrictions and ensure its companies do not help other countries bypass those measures. The pact also includes commitments to strengthen defence-related trade with Washington.

In return, Malaysia will receive preferential access for its products and services, along with exemptions from the U.S. administration’s 19 per cent reciprocal tariffs on selected goods.

Cambodia struck a parallel deal, removing tariffs on a wide range of U.S. agricultural, food and industrial products in exchange for similar tariff exemptions.

The agreements were part of a series of economic and security pacts signed during President Donald Trump’s recent Asia tour, which also included stops in Vietnam and Thailand.

#Global News