Anwar says Taiwan part of China & he would also use force to protect M'sia's unity

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sparked controversy when he said he believes Taiwan is part of China, and that he would use force to protect territorial unity.

His remarks have drawn praise from the Chinese government, and rebuke from Taiwan's.

Anwar was speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera titled "Malaysia between the Superpowers", which aired on Aug. 16.

When asked for his views on "Chinese aggression" regarding Taiwan, Anwar said, "I see Taiwan as part of China, period... It is one China. It's accepted by all."

Democracy and territorial integrity

In response to Anwar's support of the One China principle, the interviewer pointed out the Taiwanese people do not want to be "governed by an authoritarian state", and prefer their democratic system instead.

"Don't you feel as a leader, as a democrat, some empathy for that sentiment?" the interviewer asked Anwar.

Anwar replied that he has empathy for "many other issues", including religious, regional, and tribal issues "in all these countries, even in Malaysia".

But in the case of Taiwan, Anwar said that empathising with the view of Taiwan's independence is "condoning an attempt to break up a legitimate independent country".

He argued that much of the China-Taiwan debate is associated with colonial history, and underscored that he was not at all condoning colonialism.

Use of force

The interviewer also asked Anwar whether he would condemn any use of force by China on Taiwan to achieve a "peaceful reunification".

In reply, Anwar considered what he would do if Malaysia was in China's position.

"If one province decides to break away, do we use force? I think I will protect the sanctity and unity of the nation," he said.

When pressed to confirm that he would use force in such a situation, Anwar said yes, because Malaysia would otherwise "be fragmented".

China's response

A spokesperson from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended Anwar's remarks both on X and in a press conference in Beijing on Aug. 19.

On X, he also highlighted Anwar's "steadfast position on the one-China principle".

"The international community’s commitment to the one-China principle is not to be shaken. Nothing will stop China from being reunified."

Clips of the video interview have also been shared by Chinese media and the Chinese embassy in Malaysia.

Taiwan's response

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement to "strongly condemn and refute" Anwar's remarks on Aug. 18.

It interpreted the Malaysian prime minister as implying that Taiwan is a province seeking to separate from China, and legitimising China's stance on using force to take Taiwan.

Taiwan is a sovereign, independent country that is not subordinate to China, and this fact will not be changed no matter what others claim, the ministry underscored.

It highlighted that Malaysia is a democracy, and Anwar has long portrayed himself as a defender of democracy and human rights.

Thus, the ministry argued, he should value principles such as freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, and respect and uphold the will of the people.

Furthermore, although Taiwan and Malaysia have close economic ties, the ministry also emphasised the close link between national sovereignty and economic security.

It said that the remarks threaten regional peace and stability, and "Anwar's one-sided support for China" could undermine Taiwanese businesses’ confidence in investing in Malaysia.