
09/10/2025
's Wife Wan Azizah Bows to President Xi Jinping, Citing Islamic Observance
Cultural Protocol at Summit: Declines Handshake with Xi Jinping
At the Shanghai Cooperation Summit in Tianjin, Wan Azizah, the wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, respectfully declined to shake hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Instead, she offered a courteous bow, keeping her hands together as a gesture of respect. This action was observed to be in accordance with Islamic teachings, which generally advise women against physical contact with men outside of their immediate family.
In a reciprocal moment, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was seen shaking hands with Peng Liyuan, President Xi Jinping's wife. Similarly, Wan Azizah also exchanged a handshake with Peng Liyuan, demonstrating adherence to cultural and religious protocols while maintaining diplomatic respect throughout the summit.