China Backs Malaysia’s BRICS Bid Again! ASEAN-GCC-China Trade Ties Deepen as RMB Use Gains Focus

BEIJING, Oct 15 — China has once again reaffirmed its support for Malaysia’s bid to become a full member of BRICS, while expressing hopes that Malaysia will continue playing a key bridging role in strengthening cooperation between China and ASEAN.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said China reiterated its backing during his meeting with Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The latest assurance follows an earlier expression of support from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China Reaffirms Support for Malaysia’s BRICS Membership

Ahmad Zahid said Xi had previously voiced his support for Malaysia’s admission, and China again reaffirmed the position during the latest discussions. He said China’s backing is significant as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has already secured support from the original BRICS member countries for Malaysia’s admission as a full member.

China is set to assume the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and host the grouping’s 19th Summit next year. BRICS was established in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with

South Africa joining the grouping in 2011.

Malaysia Seen as Key Bridge Between China and ASEAN

Beyond Malaysia’s BRICS ambitions, China also hopes the country will continue serving as an important bridge in strengthening relations between China and ASEAN member states.

Ahmad Zahid said this includes maintaining trilateral cooperation among ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China through summits involving all three parties.

Malaysia previously hosted the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit during last year’s ASEAN Summit. The country is expected to continue playing a similar role when the next trilateral summit is held in China.

RMB Use in Trade Emerges as Another Key Focus

Economic cooperation could also extend further into cross-border trade settlements.

According to Ahmad Zahid, efforts are being made to promote the use of the renminbi (RMB) in trade transactions involving China and GCC countries.

Such a move could also influence currency exchange arrangements involving the Malaysian ringgit, the renminbi and currencies of GCC countries.

This adds another dimension to the growing economic relationship among ASEAN, China and the Gulf states, with trade settlement and currency arrangements emerging alongside broader investment and economic cooperation.

Malaysia’s Regional Economic Role in Focus

China’s renewed backing comes as Malaysia seeks to deepen its participation in BRICS while simultaneously strengthening economic links among ASEAN, China and the GCC.

With China taking over the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and the next ASEAN-GCC-China trilateral summit expected to be held in China, Malaysia’s role as a bridge between the three major economic groupings is set to remain closely watched.

At the same time, efforts to expand the use of the RMB in trade could add a new financial dimension to these relationships, particularly as regional economies explore more options for facilitating cross-border transactions.