Malaysia has reiterated its support for China’s sovereignty over Taiwan, rejecting calls for the independence of the island, according to a joint statement issued on Thursday by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
The statement followed Wednesday’s bilateral meeting between the two leaders. Li visited Malaysia from Tuesday to Thursday as part of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
“Consistent with One China Policy, Malaysia recognizes that Taiwan is an inalienable territory of the People’s Republic of China,” the statement underscored that the country will not support any call for the independence of Taiwan, in order for China “to achieve national reunification.”
Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, is known as a strong proponent of Taiwanese sovereignty and urged Beijing to recognize the existence of Taiwan and to “respect the choice of the Taiwanese people” during his inaugural speech in May.
Malaysia does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan due to the country’s adherence to the One China Policy, but the two maintain robust economic and cultural ties. Malaysia set up a consular office in Taipei in the early 1960s and subsequently expanded to a Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre in 1987.
Meanwhile, the two sides will launch a bilateral dialogue in managing maritime issues in the South China Sea, according to the joint statement. Malaysia is one of the claimants against China. Anwar has reiterated the country’s stance on defending the sovereignty of Malaysia’s maritime sovereignty but remains “open” to talks with China in addressing the overlapping claims.
As for global issues, the two sides reaffirmed the rights of the Palestinian people, emphasized that civilians in Gaza must be protected by international law and called for an immediate ceasefire.
As far as economic relations are concerned, both countries have agreed to cooperate in digital economy and technological development, with Malaysia welcoming Chinese enterprises to participate in the construction of the country’s 5G network. Malaysia is expected to announce the rollout of a second parallel 5G network.
Other collaborations include oil and gas, energy and the establishment of Malaysia-China Science and Technology University.
“Premier Li Qiang, we see you as a friend [who] would work together with us, collaborate, and prove to the world that this unity, this friendship, is meaningful. Malaysia is your true friend. And to Malaysians, China is our true friend,” Anwar said at a business luncheon in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
Anwar said Malaysia will remain neutral and continue to work with all countries. “We in Malaysia, having a neutral stance, have the resolve to work with all countries and with China,” he said.
