BEIJING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's committment to its regional partners in Asean despite the country's strengthening ties with China.
Addressing concerns that Malaysia may be leaning more towards China, Anwar stressed that Asean remains Malaysia's closest ally.
"In recent years, our diplomatic relations with China have grown, and some might ask if we are leaning more towards China than other partners.
"However, our commitment is, first and foremost, to Asean, our close neighbour, where our relationships are strongest.
"Apart from Asean, we also maintain strong ties with China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand and for me, we will continue engaging positively with all nations," he said during the exit press conference with the Malaysian media following the end of his work trip in China today.
Present at the press conference were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz; and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
Anwar also said that Malaysia's close relationship with China does not mean the country is aligning itself with any particular party, especially in matters of leadership, investment, and trade.
He added that, aside from trade, China's stance often aligns more closely with Malaysia's than with many other countries, particularly on issues such as the situation in Gaza.
"We take a moderate approach, which means a balanced stance, maintaining good relations."
"China is also very welcoming and regards us as a friend, so areas like BRICS, bilateral cooperation, memorandums of understanding, and trade are all given their attention."
"Many people suggest that we are taking sides, but that's not the case. There are many issues we discuss, and regarding Gaza, China's position is closer to ours than that of many other countries."