PM optimistic US-China will avoid war over Taiwan

PARIS: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed cautious optimism in the face of US-China tensions over Taiwan, emphasising his belief that both powers are unlikely to pursue military conflict.

AI Brief

Anwar believes both Trump and Xi aim to prevent war and maintain global stability.
He stresses the importance of dialogue over confrontation in international relations.
Anwar reaffirms Southeast Asia's role as a stabilising force, not a participant in great power rivalry.

In an interview with France 24, Anwar noted that neither Chinese President Xi Jinping nor US President Donald Trump appears intent on provoking war, underscoring their preference for restraint and stability.

“I’m not pessimistic,” Anwar said in a televised interview with journalist Marc Perelman.

“I think both leaders want to avoid war.

“Trump doesn’t encourage wars and Xi Jinping has been very firm on avoiding any sort of offensive against any country,” he said.

Anwar also highlighted the need for dialogue over confrontation and positioning Southeast Asia as a region that supports stability rather than choosing sides.

Anwar’s remarks reflect his government’s broader diplomatic posture, continue to engage major powers without being drawn into great power conflict.

He also reaffirming that peace in the Indo-Pacific must not become a casualty of geopolitical rivalry.