Malaysia’s BRICS membership has received strong backing from China, with President Xi Jinping pledging full support for the country’s entry into the economic bloc. The development positions Malaysia right at the center of global power shifts while also drawing attention from Washington.
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Navigating Global Influence With Malaysia BRICS Membership Support
China Accelerates Malaysia’s BRICS Entry Path
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s endorsement actually came during his meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Beijing this past Tuesday. This backing for Malaysia’s BRICS membership represents a strategic move to expand BRICS influence across Southeast Asia, and it’s happening right now.
Anwar stated:
“President Xi stated his full support for accelerating Malaysia’s participation as a full member of BRICS. This is a great honour and a sign of support for our country to continue playing an important role on the world stage.”
Malaysia became a partner country of the bloc in early 2025, positioning itself for full membership. At the time of writing, Malaysia’s BRICS membership discussions are gaining serious momentum for a BRICS 2025 entry.
Economic Ties Strengthen Malaysia’s BRICS Membership Case
The push for BRICS Malaysia join aspirations is being driven by substantial economic opportunities that the bloc presents. Malaysia’s existing relationship with China also strengthens the membership case significantly, with bilateral trade reaching RM484.12 billion in 2024.
China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years running. The relationship was further solidified during Xi’s April state visit when 31 agreements were signed between both sides.
Anwar had this to say:
“I stated that this relationship must be translated into the immediate implementation of the matters that have been agreed upon. Only with quick action can this special relationship have a more meaningful impact on the people of both countries.”
Balancing Act Between US and China
Malaysia’s BRICS membership support creates some tricky diplomatic challenges as Washington is monitoring these developments very closely. The timing actually proves strategic given current global shifts and US policies, even as tensions between major powers continue to reshape international relations.
Prof Dr Azmi Hassan from Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research said:
“Malaysia made the decision to move closer to BRICS before Trump returned to office, but it looks like the right call now. Trump has been using tariffs to threaten smaller nations, so it is important that countries like Malaysia, as part of the Global South, have a platform where their voices can be heard.”
Hassan also stated:
“With China backing us, it shows how close the relationship has become. As the Asean chair, Malaysia benefits from this support regionally and globally. At the same time, it doesn’t mean we are discarding the US.”
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Right now, Malaysia’s BRICS membership support represents pragmatic diplomacy in an increasingly multipolar world. The move allows Malaysia to balance economic opportunities while also maintaining strategic flexibility for BRICS Malaysia 2025 goals along with continued join aspirations.