China praises Anwar after he backs force over Taiwan
Why it matters: The remarks reinforce Malaysia's 2025 pledge not to support Taiwan independence and could deepen friction with Taipei.
China praised Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after he backed Beijing's One China position and defended the possible use of force against Taiwan if peaceful reunification fails. In an Al Jazeera interview aired Monday, Anwar said, “I see Taiwan as part of China, period,” and compared the issue to a province breaking away from Malaysia. Beijing's foreign ministry later said his stance reflects broad international support for the One China principle. Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claim. Malaysia's foreign ministry said in a 2025 joint statement with China that it recognizes the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China and would not support calls for Taiwan independence.