Malaysia’s South China Sea Policy: Still Walking the Tightrope

Malaysia has been one of the oldest and most unwavering allies of China in South East Asia.It was the first country to diplomatically recognize China in the region and continues tomaintain a close diplomatic and economic relationship with China. Chinese territorial claimsover the potentially resource-rich South China Sea waters and its islands have caused greatunrest among the littoral countries, especially Vietnam and the Philippines. The problem iscompounded by the multitude of claims made by these same countries over each other’sterritory. The parties to this dispute, with the exception of China, happen to be members ofASEAN. Chinese claims, based on their own interpretation of historical and jurisdictionalevidences; challenge the territorial integrity of these states. Malaysia, as one of the foundingmembers of ASEAN and one of the largest economies in the region, wields significantinfluence over her fellow members-states and could have emerged as a crucial mediator andpeacekeeper between the China and the South East Asian countries. However, Malaysia hasadopted a cautious approach in dealing with the South China Sea issue, refraining fromopenly condemning Chinese actions and lodging protests only when her own territorialintegrity is repeatedly challenged. Such caution has ensured Malaysia bountiful trade withChina, along with cordial diplomatic and even military relations which have brought the twocountries very close. However, recent events of Chinese aggression have led Malaysianleaders and the public to question their country’s stance. Ethnic Malays bear grudges for theethnic Chinese minority in Malaysia, considered disproportionately rich. Malaysiangovernment will also be fearful of Chinese incursions in their territories which are rich inpetroleum resources. It can therefore be assumed that although Malaysia will tolerate Chineseactions for reasons of trade and security, she will not abandon the other ASEAN states andopenly side with China. Malaysia’s policy in the South China Sea issue had been and in allprobability, will continue to be one of diplomatic tightrope walking.