Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has recently reiterated Kuala Lumpur’s commitment to the One China policy, reaffirming his stance that Taiwan is part of China. This statement has garnered praise from Beijing and criticism from Taipei, while Anwar emphasized Malaysia’s support for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
The One China policy has been a cornerstone of Malaysia’s foreign relations since 1974, following the establishment of diplomatic ties with Beijing. Under this policy, Malaysia recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China, aligning with Beijing’s position on Taiwan but also advocating for peace and stability in the region.
Beijing reacted positively to Anwar’s comments, viewing them as in line with its stance on Taiwan. Conversely, Taiwan dismissed the remarks, asserting its stance of not being part of China, and cautioned that such statements might exacerbate concerns over military pressures. Despite not having formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, Malaysia maintains robust economic, cultural, and technological interactions through dedicated representative offices.
Anwar’s statement might influence Malaysia’s relations with Taiwan, especially among Taiwanese businesses and investors who might be wary of geopolitical uncertainties. Nonetheless, Malaysia is expected to continue navigating a delicate balance between its strong diplomatic ties with China and its significant economic engagements with Taiwan.
Trade relations between Malaysia and Taiwan remain substantial, with a trade volume reaching US$54.49 billion in 2025, marking Taiwan as one of Malaysia’s key trading partners. Despite the diplomatic disparities, the mutual economic interests of both countries are likely to foster ongoing collaboration and partnership.