Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his views on the rising tensions between the United States and China in the Asia-Pacific region, and the implications for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In an interview with BNN Breaking News, Anwar said that Malaysia does not want to be caught in the middle of a geopolitical rivalry, and that it seeks to maintain good relations with both the major powers.
Anwar said that Malaysia respects the US as a long-standing partner and ally, and that it appreciates the US’s contributions to the region’s security and development. However, he also said that Malaysia does not agree with the US’s attempts to contain China’s military and economic rise, which he said are counterproductive and harmful for regional stability.
Anwar said that Malaysia recognizes China as a close neighbor and a strategic partner, and that it values the cooperation and friendship with China. He also said that Malaysia supports China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which he said is a gateway to new connectivity and growth opportunities across the region. However, he also said that Malaysia expects China to respect the sovereignty and interests of other countries, and to abide by the international law and norms.
Anwar said that Malaysia advocates for a balanced and inclusive approach to regional affairs, and that it encourages dialogue and cooperation among all the stakeholders. He said that Malaysia, as the next chair of ASEAN in 2025, will play a constructive role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Addressing the Regional Challenges
Anwar also commented on some of the regional challenges that ASEAN faces, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Myanmar crisis, and the South China Sea dispute. He said that ASEAN needs to enhance its solidarity and resilience, and to work together to overcome these challenges.
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Anwar said that ASEAN needs to accelerate its vaccination and recovery efforts, and to support equitable and affordable access to vaccines and treatments for all. He said that ASEAN also needs to diversify its trade and investment strategies, and to leverage the digital economy and innovation to boost its competitiveness and growth.
Anwar said that ASEAN needs to uphold its centrality and credibility, and to implement the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar. He said that ASEAN should not tolerate the human rights violations and the violence committed by the junta, and that it should pressure the junta to restore democracy and to release the political detainees. He also said that ASEAN should provide humanitarian assistance and protection to the people of Myanmar.
Anwar said that ASEAN needs to safeguard its maritime security and sovereignty, and to resolve the South China Sea dispute peacefully and diplomatically. He said that ASEAN should adhere to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and to expedite the negotiations on the Code of Conduct (COC) with China. He also said that ASEAN should welcome the constructive engagement of other parties, such as the US, Japan, Australia, and India, in the South China Sea.
