Parliamentary Diplomacy Between Malaysia and Taiwan: A Successful Bridging Tool?

This article examines the causal and correlational dynamics of parliamentary diplomacy between Malaysia and Taiwan within the context of non-state low-asymmetric relations and against the background of the One China Policy. The article reveals that while formal diplomatic relations are constrained, both have utilised parliamentary diplomacy to foster bilateral economic and cultural exchanges, and even political exchanges, thereby, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation. Through a qualitative analysis of parliamentary debates and official statements, this article found that Taiwan’s parliamentary diplomacy prompted Malaysian parliamentarians to express solidarity with Taiwan. The different cases demonstrated either causal or correlational relationships in the interactions. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on the role of parliamentary diplomacy in international relations, suggesting that it can serve as a strategic bridging tool for countries navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.