Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated his country’s adherence to the One China policy by affirming his view that Taiwan is a part of China. This statement has garnered praise from Beijing while drawing criticism from Taipei. Despite the differing reactions, Anwar emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution to the tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
The One China policy has been a cornerstone of Malaysia’s diplomatic stance since 1974, when the country officially recognized the People’s Republic of China as the legitimate government of China. This policy acknowledges Beijing’s claim over Taiwan, although Malaysia continues to advocate for peace and stability in the region. Anwar’s remarks have been welcomed by China as they align with Beijing’s perspective on Taiwan. However, Taiwan has rejected the comments, asserting its independence and cautioning that such statements could heighten concerns about military tensions.
While Malaysia does not maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, both nations have fostered substantial economic, cultural, and technological connections through representative offices. Anwar’s recent comments may influence Malaysia’s relations with Taiwan, especially among Taiwanese businesses and investors wary of geopolitical uncertainties. Nevertheless, Malaysia is expected to maintain a delicate balance between its robust relationship with China and its ongoing economic engagements with Taiwan.
In 2025, trade between Malaysia and Taiwan amounted to a significant US$54.49 billion, underscoring Taiwan’s role as one of Malaysia’s key trading partners. Despite the differences in diplomatic recognition, the strong economic ties between the two suggest a mutual interest in continued cooperation. The interplay between maintaining diplomatic stances and fostering economic relationships will likely shape Malaysia’s approach to its interactions with both China and Taiwan.