VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Sept 6 — Malaysia is concerned about rising tensions between the US and China but cannot be forced to choose sides, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in an interview with RIA Novosti and RT, reported Sputnik.
"Yes, there is concern because of this heightening tension between the US and China, but we cannot be forced to take sides.
“We are an important partner in terms of trade and investments with the US, cumulatively still number one. But China is an important player. So, we engage more than ever in all fields in a comprehensive manner," he said on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).
The EEF began on Tuesday and will run through Friday. It is being hosted by the Far Eastern Federal University in Russia's Pacific coast city of Vladivostok. Sputnik is the general information partner of the EEF 2024.
Anwar said it is also not in Malaysia's interest to side with the West and be against Russia as the country maintains good relations with all parties and does not want to complicate the issue further.
“Our intention, our position is of course to find a... resolution, not to take a side of the West against Russia. What benefit is this for us?
“Like the US vis-a-vis China, we maintain good relations with both. Why compel us to take sides? Well, they create these potential problems because it is a different system.”
Meanwhile, Anwar said Malaysia does not support any build-up of defence power to attack any countries.
“Our position is for peace and therefore we do not support any sort of enhancement of defence and armaments to attack any country.
— Bernama
