Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Kuala Lumpur’s commitment to the One China policy, highlighting that he views Taiwan as a part of China. This statement has been met with approval from Beijing and criticism from Taipei. Anwar emphasized that Malaysia continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution regarding tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
The roots of Malaysia’s One China policy can be traced back to 1974, when Kuala Lumpur officially established diplomatic ties with Beijing. According to this policy, Malaysia acknowledges the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China and recognizes Beijing’s stance on Taiwan. Despite this, Malaysia maintains that ensuring peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is of paramount importance.
China welcomed Anwar’s remarks, suggesting they align with its own views on Taiwan. In contrast, Taiwan rejected the prime minister’s comments, insisting it is not part of China. Taipei also cautioned that supporting Beijing’s position could exacerbate concerns over military pressure in the region.
While Malaysia does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, the two sides have developed significant economic, cultural, and technological connections through their respective representative offices. Anwar’s recent comments might strain Malaysia’s relations with Taiwan, particularly among Taiwanese businesses and investors who might be wary of geopolitical risks. Nonetheless, Malaysia is expected to continue balancing its strong ties with China while maintaining its economic engagements with Taiwan.
Trade between Malaysia and Taiwan reached a substantial US$54.49 billion in 2025, positioning Taiwan as one of Malaysia’s key trading partners. Despite the diplomatic differences, both nations have significant economic interests that could encourage ongoing cooperation.