As the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc are unhappy with the treatment of the US imposing huge tariffs on countries around the world, Xi’s message arrives, ‘Beijing is Southeast Asia’s better friend than the truculent administration of US President Donald Trump.’

Xi said he hopes his state visit will usher in another "50 golden years" in China-Malaysia relations. He said deepening “high-level strategic cooperation” was good for the common interests of both China and Malaysia and good for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.”

Sultan Ibrahim said “I believe there is great potential for Chinese companies and investors to explore opportunities here as it is in line with the importance of regional connectivity and high-quality development under China’s ‘Belt and Road’ Initiative. With strong strategic incentives and a good location, the Forest City Special Financial Hub within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) has emerged as one of the region’s prime investment locations.” 

According to the Malaysian foreign ministry, China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with total trade between the two countries accounting for 16.8 percent of Malaysia's global trade last year. Xi said "We must uphold the multilateral trading system, keep global industrial and supply chains stable, and maintain an international environment of openness and cooperation.”

Khoo Ying Hooi, an associate professor in the Department of International and Strategic Studies at Malaya University, said “Malaysia is Southeast Asia's third-largest economy and was hit with a lower tariff of 24 percent. The tariffs have been paused for 90 days but Trump has said no country is off the hook. Regionally, Xi is likely to frame China as a partner in stability and development, not a hegemon.”

Xi is due to meet with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after talks with the king. This meet will witness the signing of a range of bilateral agreements, post which the Prime Minister will host him for dinner at the administrative capital of Putrajaya outside Kuala Lumpur.