Here’s What China & Taiwan Said After Anwar Voiced Support For “One China”

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's comments on China-Taiwan tensions have drawn global attention, with Taiwan warning that they could affect trade relations

In an interview with Al Jazeera published on Sunday, 17 August, Anwar shared his views on Gaza, Israel, the Trump administration, Malaysia's trade relations with the US and China, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and other geopolitical issues shaping the world.

Journalist Sreenivasan Jain asked Anwar whether Malaysia would consider changing its trade relations with the US, given the country's support for Israel amid the war in Gaza.

Anwar said Malaysia has consistently been one of the most outspoken countries against Israel's actions in Gaza, adding that the country has the "courage and conviction" to voice its opposition.

However, the prime minister said while such criticism should continue to pressure the world's superpowers, he acknowledged that Malaysia has limited influence over a conflict that has lasted for decades.

He said Malaysia, as a relatively young country, has a limited role to play in a conflict that predates its independence, adding that it is ultimately up to more powerful nations to resolve the issue.

The interview then touched on Taiwan and China's claim over the island

"I see Taiwan as part of China, period," he said. "We may disagree with some excesses. Yes, express your view. But it must be in the context [that] it is one China."

When asked whether he would condemn Beijing if it used force after peaceful reunification efforts failed, Anwar drew an analogy with Malaysia.

"If one province decides to break away, do we use force?" he asked, adding that he would protect the "sanctity and unity" of the nation.

When Jain pressed him on whether he would use force in such a scenario, Anwar replied: "Yes. Because otherwise, they'll be fragmented."

Watch Anwar's comments on Taiwan at the 16:09 minute mark:

China applauded Anwar's comments

In a response on Tuesday, 19 August, China praised Anwar's remarks on Taiwan.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian described China and Malaysia as traditional friendly neighbours that had remained "good friends and true friends" throughout more than 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Beijing said it looked forward to working with Malaysia to deepen cooperation in various fields and advance the building of what it calls a China-Malaysia "community with a shared future".

The response also went beyond the Taiwan issue. China reaffirmed its support for Malaysia and other ASEAN countries in maintaining strategic autonomy, seeking strength through unity, and upholding ASEAN centrality.

It added that China would continue working with ASEAN on open cooperation, mutual benefit, and an inclusive regional architecture.

China commends Malaysian PM @anwaribrahim's remarks on the Taiwan question and his 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. pic.twitter.com/UCcjAR20ss

— CHINA MFA Spokesperson 中国外交部发言人 (@MFA_China) August 19, 2026

Taiwan, however, criticised Anwar's comments

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly rejected Anwar's remarks, reaffirming that Taiwan is a sovereign country and that Taiwan and the China are not subordinate to one another.

"This fact will not change because of any false claims made by anyone," Taiwan News quoted the ministry as saying.

The ministry argued that Malaysia is a democracy and that Anwar, who has long portrayed himself as a defender of democracy and human rights, should respect values including freedom, human rights, the rule of law, and the will of the people.

It also said political rhetoric supporting unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait would undermine political trust between Taiwan and Malaysia.

"Given the close link between national sovereignty and economic security, [Anwar's] support for China could negatively affect the confidence of Taiwanese businesses investing in Malaysia," the ministry said.

While Taiwan stopped short of announcing any formal economic measures, its statement raised the possibility that Anwar's comments could have commercial repercussions for Malaysia.