KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will continue its open and pragmatic approach in engaging with both the United States and China, basing the relations on mutual respect and shared interests.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said despite talk of Malaysia shifting its focus towards China, the US remains the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Malaysia, particularly in the tech sector.
He said the US holds a dominant position in Malaysia's investment landscape cumulatively.
On the other hand, China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner since 2009, with 16 years of prosperous trade relations that have been instrumental in driving Malaysia's economic growth.
"It's as clear as day that there is no zero-sum game here. Maintaining robust ties with the United States and China is not merely a matter of economic pragmatism but a strategic imperative to safeguard our national interests in an increasingly volatile world.
"By cultivating a balanced and constructive engagement with both, Malaysia ensures a diversified economic base, reduces over-dependence, and a strengthened position as a resilient, open and competitive economy," he said.
He made these remarks during his lecture, "The Adaptive Edge: Malaysia's Global Strategy in an Uncertain Era", at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anwar, who also serves as finance minister, added that Malaysia's approach to navigating global uncertainties is to engage with all key players without taking sides.
"In times of flux, uncertainty is the only certainty. We cannot simply endure, we must thrive. Resilience will guide us, and clarity of purpose will be our compass," he said.
He also gave his assurances that despite immense pressures and formidable challenges, Malaysia will remain steadfast and avoid being drawn into the geopolitical struggles of major powers.
"We achieve this by actively engaging with all nations, big or small, guided by the principle of non-alignment," he added.