KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's remark dissuading other nations from confrontational stance towards China was a pragmatic approach to help ease geopolitical tensions in the region while simultaneously preserving Malaysia's trading ties in the event of an escalation, said analysts.

Sociopolitical analyst Associate Prof Awang Azman Pawi said Anwar's stance could be rooted in a pragmatic understanding of global power dynamics, acknowledging China's economic and technological prowess as essential components in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.

"By aligning with a rising global power, Malaysia may seek economic advantages through strengthened trade relations, investments and infrastructure projects....