Editorial | Pragmatic path best for Malaysia’s Anwar in relations with China and US

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will soon host a visit from his Chinese counterpart that will mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Premier Li Qiang has begun a tour also taking in New Zealand and Australia which is intended to strengthen China’s Asia-Pacific regional relations amid geopolitical tensions.

All three of Li’s hosts have to manage ties with both China – Malaysia’s main trade partner – and the United States, its top investment partner. What sets Malaysia apart is that having a South China Sea border puts it in the eye of an international flashpoint.

It has to strike a balance that serves its own best interests and the goal of regional stability – an act that is seen as not taking sides.

But it also has to reflect the reality that Malaysia, already a committed partner in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, needs stronger Chinese ties, including capital and expertise to fast track hi-tech development of its economy. That means not only continuing to do business with China but also increasing it.

In an exclusive interview with the Post, Anwar has taken a very pragmatic approach that puts his country first. He has made it clear he will not get caught up in China-US geopolitical tensions and be pressured into picking a side, while playing down territorial disputes in the South China Sea.