Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Kuala Lumpur’s commitment to the One China policy, emphasizing that he regards Taiwan as a part of China. This declaration has garnered approval from Beijing, while drawing criticism from Taipei. Despite this, Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s support for a peaceful resolution of tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
The One China policy has been a cornerstone of Malaysia’s diplomatic stance since 1974, when it first established formal relations with Beijing. Under this policy, Malaysia recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the legitimate government of China, acknowledging Beijing’s stance on Taiwan. At the same time, Malaysia underscores the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
China responded positively to Anwar’s recent statements, viewing them as an alignment with its own position regarding Taiwan. On the other hand, Taiwan rejected these remarks, asserting its independence from China and cautioning that such statements might escalate concerns about military pressure in the region.
Although Malaysia lacks formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, both entities have cultivated robust economic, cultural, and technological interactions through representative offices. Anwar’s comments may strain Malaysia’s existing relationship with Taiwan, especially among Taiwanese businesses and investors wary of geopolitical risks. Nevertheless, Malaysia is expected to continue managing its strong ties with China while maintaining its economic engagements with Taiwan.
In 2025, trade between Malaysia and Taiwan amounted to US$54.49 billion, underscoring Taiwan’s significance as one of Malaysia’s key trading partners. Despite the diplomatic nuances, the substantial economic interests shared by both sides are likely to drive ongoing cooperation and engagement.