Introduction
The South China Sea (SCS) is
recognized as one of the most strategically significant and disputed areas
globally.
For Malaysia, the implications
are considerable due to conflicting territorial claims, especially regarding
its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the Spratly Islands.
In recent years, China's
aggressive expansion in the SCS has heightened regional tensions, threatening
Malaysia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
As the Philippines advocates for
a wider coalition to challenge China's maritime supremacy, the informal
"Squad" alliance, which includes Australia, Japan, the Philippines,
and the United States, offers a potential avenue for Malaysia to protect its
interests.
Why the Squad Offers a
Counterbalanced Platform for Malaysia
The establishment of the Squad in
2024 signifies a strategic pivot towards enhanced regional security
collaboration in light of China's expanding maritime dominance.
Unlike formal military alliances,
the Squad operates as an informal and adaptable framework designed to improve
collective security in the SCS without the constraints associated with
traditional military agreements.
For Malaysia, this adaptability
presents an optimal opportunity to fortify its security posture without
provoking direct conflict with China.
The South China Sea serves as a
crucial maritime corridor, essential not only for trade but also for
significant natural resources such as oil, gas, and fisheries.
Malaysia, whose EEZ overlaps with
China's extensive territorial claims, has encountered mounting pressure from
Chinese maritime forces in the area.
By engaging in the Squad,
Malaysia would enhance its maritime capabilities through strengthened
collaboration with key regional allies, including the United States, Japan, and
Australia nations that harbour similar apprehensions regarding China's territorial
pursuits.
This collaboration may encompass
joint maritime patrols, intelligence sharing, and the augmentation of
Malaysia's naval and air force capabilities, thereby creating a deterrent
against China's coercive strategies.
Joining the Squad would provide
Malaysia with essential military, economic, and diplomatic backing. This
support is vital for safeguarding freedom of navigation in its waters,
protecting its energy exploration initiatives, and asserting its rights to resource
exploitation in the SCS.
Notably, the informal character
of the Squad mitigates the risk of diplomatic repercussions with China,
enabling Malaysia to maintain a balanced relationship with Beijing while
affirming its sovereignty in the region.
The Importance of the South
China Sea for ASEAN
The SCS serves as a critical
point of contention for Malaysia and is of significant strategic and economic
relevance to all Southeast Asian countries, especially those within the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
This maritime region ranks among
the busiest trade routes globally, facilitating the passage of trillions of
dollars in international commerce annually.
For ASEAN nations, which depend
heavily on maritime trade, the security and stability of the SCS are
intrinsically linked to their economic prosperity.
Additionally, the area is
abundant in natural resources, such as fisheries and underwater oil and gas
reserves.
The SCS is essential for the
livelihoods of millions across ASEAN, with several nations, including Malaysia,
asserting territorial claims over portions of the Spratly Islands, Paracel
Islands, and adjacent waters.
Malaysia's control over these
territories is crucial for securing access to these resources, which are
indispensable for its economic health.
Furthermore, the SCS is a focal
point of geopolitical competition, particularly with China asserting its
extensive claims via the contentious nine-dash line, which conflicts with the
claims of ASEAN member states.
This situation is exacerbated by
China's militarization of artificial islands and its frequent incursions into
the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of ASEAN countries, posing threats to
regional security and stability.
As a collective body, ASEAN has
faced challenges in formulating a cohesive response to China's actions, with
member states often divided on the appropriate course of action.
Malaysia's Role as Chairman of
ASEAN
As the Chairman of ASEAN in 2025,
Malaysia occupies a significant role in influencing the regional bloc's
approach to the challenges posed by the South China Sea.
In this leadership capacity,
Malaysia has the potential to guide ASEAN's strategy towards China,
particularly by advocating for a cohesive position on safeguarding maritime
security and territorial integrity in the South China Sea.
The diplomatic initiatives
undertaken by Malaysia as ASEAN Chair can also aim to enhance collaboration
among member states, thereby ensuring that ASEAN remains pertinent and
effective in tackling regional security issues.
In this regard, Malaysia's
leadership is vital for promoting dialogue within ASEAN and supporting the
establishment of a unified platform for regional security.
The South China Sea remains a
contentious issue within ASEAN, and Malaysia's chairmanship offers a chance to
advocate for a collective security framework that addresses the maritime
challenges faced by the region.
Malaysia can champion the
enforcement of the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, which seeks to
create behavioural guidelines to mitigate conflicts.
Nevertheless, Malaysia's role
necessitates a careful balance; while it leads ASEAN, it must also maintain
economic and diplomatic relations with China.
Addressing the SCS issue requires
astute management, and Malaysia's initiatives as ASEAN Chairman can contribute
to mitigating security risks in the region without exacerbating tensions with
China.
Conclusion
The Squad provides Malaysia with
a pragmatic and adaptable framework to protect its sovereignty in the South
China Sea.
By fostering enhanced military
collaboration, conducting joint operations, and engaging in
intelligence-sharing with allied nations, Malaysia can reinforce its defences
against China's assertive maritime actions.
Also, the South China Sea holds
significant importance for all ASEAN countries, not only due to its strategic
value but also because of its economic resources and the stability it brings to
the region.
As the Chair of ASEAN in 2025,
Malaysia is strategically positioned to shape the collective response to the
South China Sea situation, promoting peace, security, and open trade in the
area.
By partnering with the Squad,
Malaysia can fortify its strategic stance while maintaining a balanced
relationship with China, thereby safeguarding its territorial rights and
enhancing regional stability.
Comments