President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged greater cooperation with Malaysia in the face of "shocks to the global order", during the Chinese leader's regional tour against the backdrop of a US trade war.

Malaysia premier Anwar Ibrahim said China has been “a rational, strong and reliable partner” amid the tariff turbulence.

His nation will “remain an unwavering and principled friend to China”, Anwar said as he hosted Xi for dinner at his official residence.

He later held talks with Anwar and witnessed the exchange of 31 cooperation agreements on sectors including emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, media and tourism.