Muhyiddin said Malaysia is willing to strengthen its ties with China in all fields, including defence, trade and education, the official China news agency Xinhua reported.

He also congratulated China on its success in managing the Covid-19 outbreak, adding that Malaysia became one of the first countries to successfully contain the virus thanks to their support.

Wei said both nations had assisted one another amid the Covid-19 pandemic while pushing for economic and social recovery by strengthening their cooperation.

He also said maintaining the stability of the South China Sea was the joint responsibility of both nations, adding that China is willing to work with other countries in Southeast Asia to keep the peace in the region.

Xinhua reported that Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob also held a separate meeting with Wei to discuss international and regional matters, including the South China Sea issue.