In an exclusive interview in mid-August, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim insisted that Taiwan was a “separatist” province of China, and was suspected of publicly rationalizing China’s position of reunifying Taiwan by force. Japanese media reported that Taiwan canceled bilateral trade talks with Malaysia in late October.Republic of China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Xiao Guangwei confirmed that in view of national sovereignty and economic security, and to ensure the rights and interests of Taiwanese businessmen investing, Taiwan had suspended the promotion of bilateral investment talks a month ago.
Xiao Guangwei said that in response to the Malaysian Prime Minister’s unflattering remarks towards Taiwan in August, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release at the time, pointing out that the relevant remarks may have adverse effects and risks on the confidence of Taiwanese businessmen to invest in Malaysia. The Foreign Ministry also expressed serious concern over this.
Xiao Guangwei pointed out that the most important consideration is national sovereignty, which also includes economic security. Therefore, in order to protect the rights and interests of Taiwanese businessmen, Taiwan suspended the promotion of bilateral investment talks a month ago. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that Taiwan continues to communicate with Malaysia and hopes that the Malaysian government can draw on the close investment relations and long-established mutual trust between the two countries, creating favorable opportunities for resuming dialogue.
