Last month Malaysia's firebrand Prime Minister and known critic of China Mahathir Mohamad landed in Beijing for a state visit. This is the Prime Minister's first visit to the country, the last time being 33 years ago. Mahathir's first official visit to China took place in November 1985.
Mahathir has had a long history of criticizing China's foreign policy, especially the ones immediately affecting the region. Regardless of this unsavory past, the Malaysian Prime Minister is slowly changing is perspective regarding China. Many observers have noticed that the Prime Minister is slowly making amends and put uncertainties behind. The country is now willing to meet China halfway in terms of foreign policy.
Following the May 9 election, Mahathir immediately sparked anxieties in the region by suspending the implementation of several Chinese-backed infrastructure projects which was initially backed by his predecessor, Najib Razak. These massive infrastructure projects amount to $22 billion.
Regarding the cancellation of these projects, Mahathir said that these infrastructure projects are unnecessary and way too expensive. Recently, the Malaysian government has also scrapped three of China's proposed pipeline projects amounting to a massive $3 billion.
Despite his criticisms, many observers see Mahathir's state visit to China as a victory for all parties involved. Some analysts said that Mahathir's hard stance against China is a justifiable act in order to prevent his country from slipping back into bankruptcy.
Malasia-China Friendship Association chairman and former Malaysian envoy to Beijing Abdul Maji Ahmad Kahn said that both China and Malaysia are mending fences in order to rebuild friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He added that both countries have agreed to cooperate with regards to several important levels, including e-commerce, trade, and currency swap.
According to the Shahriman from the Institute of Strategic and International Studies, China's decision to roll out the red carpet for the Malaysian Prime Minister is an indication of the country's willingness to "flatter him." Moreover, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted a banquet of Mahathir and his entourage, a task that is usually handled by the Chinese Premier. This simply shows how serious China is when it comes to negotiating agreeable policies with Malaysia.
During his state visit last month, the Malaysian Prime Minister warned the world against a new form of colonialism. He also called for a free and fairer trade between nations.
Last week, Singapore and Malaysia agreed to postpone a high-speed rail project which was co-opted by the two countries. Many have seen this as a sign that Malaysia might renegotiate the deal, or possibly find an alternative deal with Chinese counterparts.
