Anwar: Malaysia remains committed to One China Policy

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has firmly stated that Malaysia will continue to uphold the One China Policy, a principle that has guided the nation's foreign relations since the era of the second Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.

Anwar addressed recent criticisms stemming from his comments on Taiwan during an interview with Al Jazeera, asserting that Malaysia's position on the matter remains steadfast. "The One China Policy has been practiced since the time of Tun Abdul Razak. In my view, that policy remains, and we will continue to defend it. Of course, we want to find peaceful solutions whenever possible," he told reporters.

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The One China Policy has been practiced since the time of Tun Abdul Razak. In my view, that policy remains, and we will continue to defend it. Of course, we want to find peaceful solutions whenever possible.

He explained that his remarks regarding Taiwan were based on a consistent principle of respecting the territorial integrity of nations. Anwar drew a parallel with the United States' own history, noting that the U.S. fought a war of independence and does not permit any of its territories to secede. "I believe that stance is correct. The United States itself went through the American War of Independence and did not allow any of its territories to separate. So I am only taking a consistent stance," he said.

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I believe that stance is correct. The United States itself went through the American War of Independence and did not allow any of its territories to separate. So I am only taking a consistent stance.

Malaysia, Anwar reiterated, respects China's position on the Taiwan issue. He expressed his belief that a peaceful resolution is the most effective approach to managing any disputes. This Malaysian stance aligns with international recognition of the One China Policy, as accepted at the United Nations.

"China is recognized as one country, while the other is referred to as Taiwan. So what I stated is not something new," Anwar commented. He acknowledged that the manner in which the Al Jazeera interview presented the issue might have contributed to the criticisms received. "Perhaps the way the question was asked or presented by Al Jazeera triggered these criticisms," he added.

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China is recognized as one country, while the other is referred to as Taiwan. So what I stated is not something new.