(LEAD) FM Cho to visit China this week for talks with Wang Yi on N. Korea, bilateral ties

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia has requested that Taiwan resume informal economic discussions, as the nation seeks to safeguard its bilateral trade and investment relationships while adhering to its One China policy, according to a report dated November 12, 2026. The Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) have conveyed Malaysia's request for discussions under the Economic Cooperation Committee, following the postponement of a previous meeting.

Anwar clarified that these talks do not involve formal negotiations but rather continue through existing mechanisms such as the Trade Working Committee and Investment Working Committee. He assured that there has been no disruption to trade, investment, or business operations involving Taiwanese companies in Malaysia, and that discussions on new investments are ongoing.

However, he reiterated Malaysia's commitment to the One China Policy, stating that Malaysia recognizes only one China, with its government based in Beijing. This stance has been consistent since 1974. Anwar addressed concerns about strained relations with Taiwan, noting that there have been no indications of Taiwanese investors withdrawing from Malaysia, and that bilateral merchandise trade amounted to RM233.02 billion in 2025, making Taiwan Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner.

He also highlighted the importance of Taiwanese investments in strategic industries like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and chip manufacturing, citing a RM1 billion investment project in Kedah.