President Xi Jinping proposed on his maiden Southeast Asian trip on Thursday to join efforts with countries in the region to build a new "maritime silk road".

Observers said the proposal, made by Xi during a speech to the Indonesian parliament, aimed at enhancing maritime partnership against the backdrop that China's geopolitical ties with its Southeast Asian neighbors brings both opportunities for cooperation and challenges from territorial disputes.

Xi left for Kuala Lumpur on Thursday evening for a state visit to Malaysia,where he is scheduled to meet Supreme Head of State Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, and will also hold talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.