Boosting Relations with the United States: A Pragmatic Approach for Malaysia
Economic Ties with China: A Restrictive Factor in Confronting Chinese Vessels in the South China Sea
KUALA LUMPUR: Strong economic ties with China make it challenging for Malaysia to adopt a more active stance in confronting Chinese vessels in the South China Sea, according to a think tank. Oh Ei Sun, principal adviser to Pacific Research Center of Malaysia, highlighted that Malaysia’s strong trade and investment ties with China have enabled the country to successfully steer clear of escalating maritime tensions.
China as Malaysia’s Biggest Trading Partner
"Whether we like it or not", China is Malaysia’s biggest trading partner, making it difficult for the country to adopt a more proactive or prominent attitude when it comes to confrontations involving Chinese vessels, said Oh Ei Sun. This is because China is Malaysia’s largest trading partner and primary source for imports, with bilateral trade reaching over US$117.5 billion in the first eight months of 2024.
Boosting Relations with the United States: A Pragmatic Approach
Oh Ei Sun suggested that Malaysia should make efforts towards bolstering relations with the United States. He noted that the US faces challenges in securing Malaysia’s full support on regional security and the South China Sea dispute, and finds it difficult to persuade Malaysia to take a stronger stance in South China Sea disputes.
Malaysia’s Economic Reliance on China
Oh attributed Malaysia’s restraint in confronting Chinese naval or maritime enforcement vessels to its economic reliance on China. He highlighted the importance of China to Malaysia at both federal and state levels, making it challenging for the country to adopt a more assertive stance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Malaysia’s economic ties with China pose a significant challenge for the country in confronting Chinese vessels in the South China Sea. As a country with competing territorial claims, Malaysia must strike a balance between its economic interests and its national security concerns. Boosting relations with the United States could be a pragmatic approach for Malaysia to address these challenges and promote its national interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does Malaysia’s economic ties with China pose a challenge in confronting Chinese vessels in the South China Sea?
A: Malaysia’s strong trade and investment ties with China make it difficult for the country to adopt a more proactive or prominent attitude when it comes to confrontations involving Chinese vessels, as China is Malaysia’s biggest trading partner and primary source for imports.
Q: How can Malaysia balance its economic interests and national security concerns in the South China Sea?
A: Boosting relations with the United States could be a pragmatic approach for Malaysia to address these challenges and promote its national interests.
Q: What is the current state of trade between Malaysia and China?
A: Bilateral trade between the two countries reached over US$117.5 billion in the first eight months of 2024, an increase of 10.8% compared with the same period last year.