Anwar, who is also finance minister, said he wanted to maintain good ties with both superpower nations by being pragmatic in safeguarding the economy, especially given the heightened volatility globally.

He added that Malaysia’s ties with the US and China were both anchored in mutual respect and shared interests.

“In spite of all that talk of Malaysia pivoting towards China, the fact is that the United States continues to reign supreme, cumulatively, as the largest source of foreign direct investment in Malaysia, especially in the technology sector.

“China, on the other hand, has been our largest trading partner since 2009, marking 16 years of thriving trade relations that have been pivotal in driving Malaysia’s economic growth.

“There is no zero-sum game here. By cultivating a balanced and constructive engagement with both nations, Malaysia ensures a diversified economic base, reduced overdependence, and a strengthened position as a resilient, open and competitive economy,” said Anwar in a speech at the London School of Economics.

The prime minister is in the United Kingdom for a five-day working visit, his first trip there since being appointed to the top post in November 2022.

Anwar said it was important that Malaysia thrived amid the uncertain geopolitical environment rather than simply enduring it.

He added that this meant Putrajaya cannot afford to fall prey to “any game of the major powers” and would remain “actively engaging with all nations, big or small, guided by the principle of non-alignment”.