Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent comments about Taiwan have raised questions about Malaysia's commitment to its traditional policy of non-alignment between China and the United States. In an interview with Al Jazeera that aired earlier this month, Anwar stated that he viewed Taiwan "as part of China, period," adding that this perspective is "accepted by all." When asked whether he would condemn China if it used force regarding Taiwan, Anwar stated that he would use force to protect Malaysia's unity if a Malaysian state were attempting to break away.
Anwar’s comments received praise from the Chinese government, with a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman emphasizing that Taiwan is "an inalienable part of China’s territory" and that "China must and will be reunited." Conversely, Taiwan’s government condemned Anwar’s remarks, warning that his support for China could negatively impact Taiwanese businesses' confidence in investing in Malaysia. Taiwan is a significant investor in Malaysia, particularly in the semiconductor industry.
In response to local media inquiries, Anwar appeared to clarify his position, stating that Malaysia respects China’s stance but favors a peaceful resolution to tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Following his interview, Anwar called for bolstering Malaysia’s defenses in the Bornean state of Sabah, citing the development of US-backed military facilities in the Philippines as justification for increased defense spending. The Philippine government is currently upgrading military facilities on Balabac Island, located 50 kilometers from Malaysian territory.
Anwar’s comments have led to suspicions among Western observers that Malaysia is shifting away from the West and aligning more closely with China, which has become Malaysia's largest trade partner. Malaysia has also been a significant recipient of Chinese investments, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative.
While some analysts argue that Malaysia is undergoing a strategic realignment, others contend that Anwar’s comments should be viewed in the context of Malaysia's historical recognition of Taiwan as part of China, dating back to a 1974 communiqué signed by then-Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak. Chee Meng Tan, an assistant professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, noted that Anwar’s statement on the potential use of force was a new development not explicitly required by the one-China policy.
Daniel Loebell, a PhD student at Northwestern University, suggested that Anwar’s position reflects a realist understanding of territorial integrity, arguing that recognizing one government of China implies the PRC's exclusive right to use force within its borders. Anwar’s later comments regarding the US-backed base on Balabac are linked to Malaysia's ongoing dispute with the Philippines over Sabah, which the Philippines claims as its territory.
Malaysia has maintained a less vocal stance on the South China Sea dispute compared to the Philippines, while still preserving strong defense ties with Western powers to balance against China’s military presence in the region. Malaysia is a participant in the Five Powers Defence Arrangements (FPDA), which includes Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, committing members to consult in the event of an armed attack on Malaysia or Singapore.
Despite recognizing the benefits of defense ties with the West, Malaysia also values its economic relations with various countries, including the USA and China. Loebell noted that Malaysia has maintained diverse economic relations, preventing it from aligning too closely with any major power. He emphasized that Taiwan's enterprises continue to invest in Malaysia's semiconductor industry, a fact that Anwar is likely aware of and welcomes.