Anwar’s Taiwan remarks put Malaysia’s Beijing calculus in focus

Analysts say the comments did not change Malaysia’s one-China policy, but could reinforce perceptions of closer alignment with Beijing

The more tangible potential trade-off may be commercial, particularly as Malaysia competes for future Taiwanese hi-tech investment, observers add.

Anwar made the remarks during an Al Jazeera interview released on Sunday, declaring: “I see Taiwan as part of China, period.”

When challenged on the status of the self-governed island, he said: “We may disagree, there are some excesses. Yes, express your view. It is one China. It’s accepted by all.”

Asked whether he would condemn Beijing if it resorted to force over Taiwan, Anwar drew a parallel with Malaysia, saying he would use force to preserve the country’s unity if one of its states sought to break away.