KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended higher today as buying on selected blue chips continued, said a brokerage. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 8.85 points or 0.51 per cent to 1,756.39 from Tuesday’s close of 1,747.54. The barometer index opened 3.69 points higher at 1,751.23 before moving as low as 1,745.51 in early trade to as high as 1,757.15 during the mid-afternoon session. Market breadth was positive with gainers leading losers 575 to 474, while 549 counters were unchanged, 1,087 untraded and 11 suspended. Turnover expanded to 2.55 billion units valued at RM3.06 billion from yesterday’s 2.19 billion units valued at RM2.35 billion.
Quick Summary
UK–China ties reset after years of strain
US$15b AstraZeneca investment anchors cooperation
Trade, visas, and security collaboration announced
Human rights and espionage concerns remain unresolved
Britain and China signalled a reset in diplomatic and economic ties as Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Xi Jinping pledged closer cooperation, anchored by a US$15 billion investment by AstraZeneca in China.
What Happened
During Starmer’s four-day visit to China — the first by a UK prime minister in eight years — the two leaders spent nearly three hours together in Beijing, holding formal talks and a working lunch at the Great Hall of the People.
Both sides described the meeting as warm and constructive, agreeing to rebuild ties that have suffered years of strain.
Why It Matters
AstraZeneca’s US$15 billion China investment was highlighted as proof of mutual economic benefit
Britain is seeking growth opportunities as its Labour government struggles to lift living standards
China gains renewed engagement with a major Western economy amid global geopolitical tensions
Starmer said the partnership would allow Britain to pursue opportunities while maintaining “frank dialogue” on disagreements, including human rights and security issues.
Global Backdrop: Trump Factor
Starmer’s visit comes as Western allies hedge against uncertainty linked to US President Donald Trump — from tariff threats to geopolitical moves such as comments on Greenland.
The UK leader follows Mark Carney, who recently signed a trade deal with Beijing, despite drawing criticism from Washington.
Key Outcomes from the Visit
AstraZeneca to expand China operations with long-term drug development plans
Progress on cutting tariffs on British whisky
Visa-free travel for Britons visiting China for under 30 days
Joint action against migrant smuggling gangs, including limiting misuse of Chinese-made boat engines
Intelligence-sharing to disrupt trafficking supply chains
Balancing Cooperation and Caution
While pushing for closer ties, Starmer acknowledged longstanding concerns over:
Espionage allegations (which China denies)
Human rights, including the case of Jimmy Lai, a British citizen jailed in Hong Kong
Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the visit, citing security risks.
Symbolism and Soft Diplomacy
The meeting also featured lighter moments:
Discussions on English Premier League football and Shakespeare
Starmer gifted Xi a football from a Manchester United vs Arsenal match
A viral clip showed Starmer practicing “xie xie” (thank you) at a Beijing restaurant
Bottom Line
Britain and China are reopening economic and diplomatic channels after years of friction.
The AstraZeneca investment gives the reset tangible weight — but the relationship will continue to walk a fine line between economic pragmatism and political caution.
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