KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia does not practise a 'China-phobia' policy and considers its neighbouring country an important trading partner, ready to further expand cooperation.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that besides trade and investment, Malaysia is prepared to collaborate in arts, education, science, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI).

"We are comfortable with this stance, but the issue arises from the United States, which champions competition and now acts as a protector. They strongly advocate for free trade.

"If there is a country determined to strengthen the spirit of the global South, then we need to play a role.

"During the session in San Francisco, in the presence of US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, I expressed relief that these two great leaders met and hoped it would lead to positive outcomes," he said in an interview with Guancha, a Shanghai-based publishing company.

China's Minister at the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, Zheng Xuefang, previously expressed appreciation for Anwar's stance on 'China-phobia' by the United States and its allies.

Malaysia remains committed to maintaining strong relations with both China and the US, without succumbing to pressure to choose sides.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/1065093/anwar-malaysia-doesnt-have-china-phobia