China praises Malaysian PM Anwar for Taiwan remarks that drew Taipei rebuke
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China praises Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for describing Taiwan as part of China and backing the use of force to achieve reunification. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry rebuked Anwar, saying his comments could hurt Taiwanese business confidence in Malaysia. The exchange comes as Taiwan is a major investor in Penang’s semiconductor sector, which Malaysia wants to expand.
Key Facts
- In an Al Jazeera interview published Sunday, Anwar Ibrahim said Taiwan is part of China and that 'one China' is accepted by all.
- China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a daily press briefing in Beijing that China appreciates Anwar’s remarks and reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.
- Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday that Anwar’s one-sided support could negatively impact Taiwanese businesses’ confidence in investing in Malaysia.
- Malaysia has adhered to a One China Policy since Beijing and Kuala Lumpur established diplomatic relations in 1974.
Anwar's Taiwan Remarks
In an interview with Al Jazeera published on Sunday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described Taiwan as part of China, saying 'Taiwan as part of China, period.' He added that there is 'one China' and that this is 'accepted by all.' Anwar argued that if a Malaysian province attempted to secede, it would be his responsibility to protect the sanctity and unity of the nation, by force if necessary.
China's Response
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a daily press briefing in Beijing that China appreciates Anwar’s remarks. Lin reiterated that there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and China must and will be reunited. Malaysia has adhered to a One China Policy since Beijing and Kuala Lumpur established diplomatic relations in 1974.
Taipei's Rebuke
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday that Anwar’s one-sided support for China could negatively impact Taiwanese businesses’ confidence in investing in Malaysia. The ministry said his apparent support for unilateral changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait through the threat of force severely damages political trust between Taiwan and Malaysia. The ministry also said Anwar should uphold democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law and respect the will of the people. A commentator in Malaysiakini noted that Taiwan is a major investor in Penang’s semiconductor sector, the back-end ecosystem Malaysia wants to expand, and that Taipei has threatened trade consequences. Malaysia remains economically close to China but has also welcomed investment from other Asian countries, including Taiwan, in its high-tech industry.
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China praises Malaysian PM Anwar for Taiwan remarks that drew Taipei rebuke
