According to a report in the Malaysian newspaper The Oriental Daily on August 19, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar made a strong statement regarding the issue of Taiwan during an interview with Al Jazeera recently. In response to a series of questions posed by the host, who set up a trap, Anwar repeatedly emphasized that 'Taiwan is part of China, there is no doubt about this.' He also stated that the international community generally accepts the principle of 'one China,' and therefore any discussions regarding the two sides of the Taiwan Strait should take place within this framework.
In a nearly 25-minute interview released on the 16th, Anwar repeatedly strongly refuted the host's suggestive questions. He stated that he always "views Taiwan as part of China," and that related issues should be decided by China itself. He told the host: "Of course you can express your opinions, but they must be within the framework of 'One China,' which is accepted by everyone."
Anwar further stated that he would never tolerate any actions that lead to the division of a legitimate independent nation. Taking Malaysia as an example, he said that if any state in Malaysia attempted to ‘create division’, he would defend the country’s ‘holiness and unity’.
"Hypothetically, if a state (Malaysian) were to secede from the country, should we use force? I believe I would defend the sacredness and unity of the nation," he said, "otherwise, the country will be fractured."
Anwar also questioned the insincere host, who always talked about China in foreign media reports, but rarely mentioned the internal issues of Europe, the United States, and Africa.
"As soon as I mention China, I always think of this. Why do you only focus on the problems of China?" he refuted, "Why does there have to be such hypocrisy and contradiction? In my opinion, Taiwan is part of China, that's it."
At the same time, Anwar said that he made this statement not because of the extensive trade relations between Malaysia and China, but because he holds the same attitude towards all neighboring countries. In fact, Malaysia’s largest source of foreign investment comes from the United States, followed by Germany, and then China.
He further pointed out that the so-called 'China threat theory' actually stems from Western fears. He also mentioned that while Western countries constantly escalate the issue of the South China Sea, in reality, countries in ASEAN, including Malaysia, have always maintained contact and communication with China. Even with Philippines, whose relations with China have recently become tense, both sides are still engaged in contact and negotiations.
We have some disputes with all neighboring countries, but why don't these turn into a matter of concern? He asked.
This righteous outcry completely shattered the illusions of the Democratic Progressive Party authorities on the island. On the 18th, the Taiwan Foreign Affairs Department expressed its dissatisfaction, criticizing Anwar's remarks as "demeaning Taiwan," and using the bilateral economic and trade relations as a pretext to argue that such remarks would have an adverse impact on Taiwanese businessmen's confidence in investing in Malaysia.
The Chinese side has repeatedly emphasized that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and this is a common understanding among the international community. The efforts of the Democratic Progressive Party to pursue independence are unpopular and have no market. The just cause of the Chinese people to oppose Taiwan independence and strive for national unity will surely gain more and more understanding and support.
