Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has triggered a sharp reaction in Taiwan after declaring that he considers Taiwan to be part of China, with Taiwanese officials warning that his remarks could damage political trust and business ties between Taiwan and Malaysia.
Anwar made the comments during an interview with Al Jazeera in which he was asked about the possibility of China using force to achieve unification with Taiwan. He said: “I see Taiwan as part of China, period.” He also argued that disputes should be viewed within the context of the “one China” position.
The Malaysian leader went further when asked whether he would condemn China if Beijing used force. Drawing a comparison with Malaysia, Anwar said that if one of Malaysia’s provinces attempted to separate from the country, it would be his responsibility to protect the nation’s unity. When pressed on whether that could involve force, he answered yes.
Taiwan Rejects Anwar’s Characterisation
Taiwan’s government quickly pushed back against the remarks, describing them as false and objecting particularly to Anwar’s apparent acceptance of the possibility of force being used against Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly stated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign state and that neither Taipei nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. Taiwan has also rejected Beijing’s claim that it is part of the People’s Republic of China.
The latest controversy comes at a particularly sensitive time. Taiwan is facing increasing military pressure from Beijing, while the Taiwanese government has been strengthening its defence capabilities and preparing for potential disruptions or conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
For many Taiwanese, therefore, Anwar’s comments are not viewed simply as another country’s diplomatic position. They touch directly on the question of who should determine Taiwan’s future.
Taiwanese Concerns Extend To Business Ties
Taiwanese authorities have also warned that Anwar’s remarks could affect confidence among Taiwanese companies operating or considering investment in Malaysia.
Taiwan is an important investor in Malaysia, particularly in areas including electronics, manufacturing and high-technology industries. Taiwanese companies have increasingly expanded their presence across Southeast Asia, making Malaysia an important destination for investment and manufacturing.
The warning has fuelled discussion online, with some commenters questioning whether Malaysia should take such a strong position on the Taiwan issue when the country’s longstanding diplomatic approach has generally avoided openly taking sides on sensitive geopolitical disputes.
Online reactions have been mixed, however, and it would be inaccurate to suggest that all Taiwanese people hold the same view. The Taiwan debate itself contains a range of political opinions, including differences over Taiwan’s relationship with mainland China.
What has particularly angered critics is Anwar’s suggestion that force could be justified in the event of an attempt to separate territory. That has made the controversy considerably more serious than a routine reaffirmation of Malaysia’s existing diplomatic position.
Anwar Stands By His Remarks
Despite the backlash, Anwar has shown no indication that he intends to withdraw his comments.
He has defended his position by pointing to Malaysia’s longstanding adherence to the One China policy, saying that the country’s position has not changed.
China, meanwhile, welcomed Anwar’s remarks. Beijing said Taiwan is an “inalienable part” of Chinese territory and praised the Malaysian prime minister for supporting the One China principle.
The episode has consequently placed Malaysia in the middle of an increasingly sensitive regional debate.
For Taiwan, the issue is about more than diplomatic wording. For Malaysia, it involves balancing its relationship with China against its economic connections with Taiwan and other major trading partners.
And for ordinary Taiwanese watching the controversy unfold, Anwar’s blunt declaration has once again highlighted a question that remains deeply contentious across the region: who should have the final say over Taiwan’s future?