Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to the One China policy by stating his view that Taiwan is a part of China. This declaration has been met with approval from Beijing and disapproval from Taipei. Anwar, however, emphasized that Malaysia still supports a peaceful approach to resolving tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Malaysia’s adherence to the One China policy dates back to 1974, when diplomatic ties with Beijing were first established. Under this policy, Malaysia acknowledges the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate government of China and recognizes Beijing’s stance on Taiwan, while advocating for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait region.
Beijing responded positively to Anwar’s remarks, seeing them as aligned with its own views on Taiwan. Conversely, Taiwan rejected the comments, asserting its independence from China and cautioning that such statements might heighten concerns regarding military tensions. Although Malaysia and Taiwan do not maintain formal diplomatic relations, they do engage in significant economic, cultural, and technological exchanges through representative offices.
Anwar’s recent comments might exert some strain on Malaysia’s relations with Taiwan, particularly among Taiwanese businesses and investors wary of geopolitical instability. Nevertheless, Malaysia is expected to continue managing its strong diplomatic relations with China alongside its substantial economic ties with Taiwan.
Trade between Malaysia and Taiwan hit a significant milestone, reaching US$54.49 billion in 2025, underscoring Taiwan’s role as one of Malaysia’s key trading partners. Despite their diplomatic differences, both nations have considerable economic interests that likely motivate ongoing cooperation.