NEW YORK, September 23 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of ASEAN maintaining close relations with the United States (US) and China as the strategic competition between the two economic superpowers intensifies. He said ASEAN needs to maintain good relations with both countries as the regional grouping expresses its commitment to strengthen centrality. And we’ve emphasized that they should not press us to take sides in the differences between the two countries, he said during an interview with CNN International anchor Christiane Amanpour, which was broadcast on the network from New York early Saturday.
Anwar stated that China is Malaysia’s neighbor and a vital trading partner, while the US has been responsible for early investments and helping to develop the country. He added that Malaysia has the largest defense cooperation with the US. He said the US has been a longtime partner for Malaysia and should be more proactive in maintaining diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties. Commenting on China’s 2023 Standard Map announced during the 2023 G20 Summit in India, Anwar said he was pleased with the feedback given by China that the major power will never take any action that could lead to conflicts with its regional partners.
The Prime Minister said he has a good relationship with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Malaysia is ready to engage in discussions regarding contentious issues following China’s claims. “It’s very reassuring. And I met with him (Li Qiang) three days ago in Nanning. He reiterated that, and at least for Malaysia, I am very satisfied,” he said. International media reported that China’s 2023 Standard Map includes disputed areas, including claims over Arunachal Pradesh, the Aksai Chin region, Taiwan, and the South China Sea.
It also encompasses maritime areas within Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near Sabah and Sarawak, as well as Brunei, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Regarding China’s claim that Taiwan will be part of its territory, Anwar said Malaysia has always been consistent with the One China policy. As a foreign policy stance, our position is the One China policy, we accept it. But of course, we are concerned about any unrest in the region, which would have a negative impact on this region, he added.
