Mahathir Slams U.S. as War Provocateur in Taiwan, Defends China's South China Sea Moves

In a Time Magazine interview, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad criticized the U.S. for provoking China over Taiwan, arguing that the U.S. “One China Policy” merely acknowledges Beijing’s claim without endorsement, while Taiwan favors de facto independence.

He claimed, “China could have invaded Taiwan long ago but chose not to because Taiwan was useful,” but accused the U.S. of inciting conflict by actions like sending Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, stating, “You send Pelosi there to do what? To provoke China.”

Mahathir called U.S. freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea “destabilizing,” suggesting, “This is not America, this is the South China Sea, this is Asia.” He downplayed China’s live-fire drills near New Zealand, remarking, “New Zealand is still the Far East.”