Malaysia’s prime minister heaped praise on Chinese President Xi Jinping during his state visit to the country as both leaders pledged stronger trade ties to combat rising global protectionism triggered by US tariffs.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has told Malaysia’s leader that China will be a collaborative partner and stand with its Southeast Asian neighbors in the wake of global economic shocks.

China's President Xi Jinping called for support for the international system centred around the United Nations, trade and the rule of law as he continued on a Southeast Asian tour amid a sharp deterioration in China-U.