Mahathir's visit will boost bilateral ties

The five-day visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad from Friday comes amid investigations into projects signed by the preceding Malaysian administration of Najib Razak and the suspension of several projects, including the Chinese-funded 688-kilometer East Coast Rail Link and three gas pipelines, which could incur heavy losses both for Malaysia and China.

But despite such disagreements, Malaysia still attaches great importance to its partnership with China, which means that during Mahathir's visit, Malaysian and Chinese leaders will likely discuss how to deepen mutual trust and work out a blueprint for bilateral trade and economic ties.

That is precisely why the 93-year-old Malaysian leader's visit at the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang has fueled hopes that the two sides will strengthen cooperation to expand their mutual benefits and negotiate the projects under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.