Anwar's Taiwan remarks raise questions over Malaysia's non-aligned stance
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in an Al Jazeera interview that Taiwan is part of China and he would use force to protect Malaysia's unity. Taiwan condemned the remarks, warning they could hurt Taiwanese investment in Malaysia. China praised Anwar's comments as Malaysia's non-aligned policy faces scrutiny.
Key Facts
- Anwar said in an Al Jazeera interview that Taiwan is part of China and he would use force to protect Malaysia's unity.
- Taiwan's government condemned Anwar's remarks, warning they could negatively impact Taiwanese businesses' confidence in investing in Malaysia.
- China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised Anwar's comments, stating Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory.
- Anwar later called for bolstering Malaysia's defences in Sabah, citing US-backed military facilities in the Philippines.
Anwar's Taiwan Remarks
In an interview with Al Jazeera aired earlier this month, Anwar stated he saw Taiwan as part of China, period. When asked if he would condemn China for using force if peaceful reunification failed, Anwar said he would use force to protect Malaysia's unity if a Malaysian state tried to break away. Anwar later told local media that Malaysia respected China's position but favoured a peaceful resolution to tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
Regional Reactions
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised Anwar's comments, stressing Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Taiwan's government condemned the remarks, warning that Anwar's one-sided support for China could negatively impact Taiwanese businesses' confidence in investing in Malaysia. Taiwan is the world's largest chips producer and a major investor in Malaysia's semiconductor industry.
Defence and Alignment
Days after the interview, Anwar called for bolstering Malaysia's defences in Sabah, pointing to US-backed military facilities in the neighbouring Philippines. The Philippine government is upgrading military facilities on Balabac island, 50km from Malaysian islands Banggi and Balambangan. Balabac was recently added to the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement between Washington and Manila, granting US forces access to designated locations in the Philippines. Anwar's comments have bolstered suspicions among Western commentators that Malaysia is aligning with China, breaking from its traditional non-alignment policy.
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Anwar's Taiwan remarks raise questions over Malaysia's non-aligned stance
