Malaysia-China Defence Ties: Managing Feud in the South China Sea

Malaysia-China Defence Ties: Managing Feud in the South China Sea By Ngeow Chow Bing SYNOPSIS Notwithstanding the South China Sea dispute, there is support within the political and military leadership in Malaysia to develop and maintain defence cooperation with China. [...] Cooling Off? The political changes in Malaysia since 2018 and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, have disrupted and slowed down the momentum. [...] As China continued its assertive posture in the South China Sea – even against a Malaysia that has always maintained a friendly posture towards China – it is natural to assume that the South China Sea dispute could also be a main cause for the cooling of defence ties between Malaysia and China. [...] Unwritten Mutual Understanding for Restraint On the South China Sea, both sides are also very cautious and are determined not to escalate, over-react, or provoke the other side to the point of losing control of the situation. [...] Some believe that precisely because of Malaysia’s commitment to sustain the friendly ties with China, China is gradually taking advantage of Malaysia and squeezing Malaysia’s room to respond effectively in the South China Sea.