US Losing Influence to China in Southeast Asia: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim

US Losing Influence to China in Southeast Asia: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim
Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, has criticized the United States for losing its focus on Southeast Asia, claiming it has ceded significant influence to China in the region.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Anwar stated that the U.S. has been so preoccupied with the proxy war in Ukraine that its engagement with the ASEAN region has diminished.
“The U.S. engages well with us, but not as actively as it did in the past. China, in that sense, takes a more positive attitude,” the prime minister remarked, highlighting a shift in regional dynamics.
Anwar defended the increasing collaboration between middle powers like Malaysia and China, citing it as a pragmatic approach for smaller economies.
He welcomed Chinese investments in infrastructure, emphasizing that strengthening ties with Beijing benefits Malaysia’s economic interests.
“It’s better for smaller economies such as Malaysia to extend its [ties] with China,” he explained.
Addressing potential concerns over Donald Trump’s planned trade tariffs, the prime minister expressed confidence that economic logic would prevail.
“Reason will probably prevail,” Anwar said, pointing out that many U.S. corporations rely heavily on foreign trade and investment, making extreme protectionist policies unlikely.
This candid assessment by Anwar underscores the growing influence of China in Southeast Asia and raises questions about the U.S.’s long-term strategy in the region.
For Malaysia, the pivot towards Beijing appears to be more than just economic—it reflects a broader recalibration of alliances in response to shifting global priorities.
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