The two major powers vied to push their agendas in Asia at a time of simmering tension over a U.S. trade tariffs offensive.

China will sign up to a Southeast Asian treaty banning nuclear weapons in the region as soon as all documentation is ready, Malaysia's foreign minister said on Thursday.

China has been a fierce critic of sweeping U.S. tariffs that Trump announced on April 2. He later delayed the implementation of most but China, which has said it will respond with its own tariffs on U.S. imports, now faces a deadline next month to negotiate a deal.

Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief General Tan Sri Asghar Khan Goriman Khan confirmed during a June 17 briefing that Washington had approved Malaysia’s request to acquire up

China and Malaysia will implement a mutual visa-free policy agreement from July 17, according to a CCTV report.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Canada to adopt a more positive and open approach towards China during a meeting in Malaysia. He emphasized potential mutual benefits and voiced opposition to the 'unreasonable suppression' of Chinese companies,

President Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. ambassador to Malaysia is a MAGA self-described “alpha male” who loves Hooters and called pop superstar Taylor Swift “jezebel.” The Independent said that the nominee, MAGA influencer and culture warrior Nick Adams, may not be a good fit for politically conservative Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia said on Saturday it has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 3.86% to 57.90% on certain iron and steel imports from China, South Korea and Vietnam.

Speaking from Malaysia, the Foreign Minister said China’s attempts to increase its influence in Australia’s backyard “is clear”.