China's Xi meets Malaysian leaders in diplomatic charm offensive

Xi embarked this week on a Southeast Asia tour that has already taken him to Vietnam and will also include Cambodia, with Beijing trying to position itself as a stable alternative to US President Donald Trump's punitive tariff regime. Xi was welcomed by Malaysia's king, Sultan Ibrahim, in a colourful ceremony at the golden-domed palace on Wednesday. The Chinese leader walked on a red carpet as he inspected an honour guard on the sprawling palace grounds as a Malaysian royal band played. After an audience and lunch with the king...