By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The South China Sea (SCS) has emerged as a critical flashpoint in the Indo-Pacific region, with Malaysia facing mounting pressure to adopt a more assertive stance against China’s excessive claims.
China’s “ten-dash line” claims, which encroach into the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Vietnam, are a clear violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral decision in The Hague. Beijing’s dismissive stance towards these international rulings, citing “historical rights,” is a thinly veiled attempt to assert its dominance in the region.
But, Malaysia’s reluctance to confront China’s encroachments into its EEZ, particularly around Sabah and Sarawak, is concerning. The presence of Chinese coastguard ships and the discovery of significant oil and gas reserves have intensified tensions in recent years. A recent report by Radio Free Asia shows the Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s remarks, downplaying China’s claims and are not binding on other nations with competing interest.
In contrast, the Philippines has demonstrated a more proactive approach in defending its rights in the SCS. Manila has successfully exposed China’s coercive tactics by documenting its maritime territorial conflicts with Beijing and releasing footage of clashes with the Chinese coastguard. The Philippine navy’s bravery in standing up to Chinese intimidation has earned international recognition, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr vowing to respond accordingly in the event of any casualties or servicemen deaths. Malaysia would do well to emulate the Philippines’ approach, prioritizing its national interests and security over short-term economic gains. The country’s reliance on trade with both the United States and China should not dictate its stance on the SCS.
Furthermore, the deployment of mid-range missile systems in the Philippines as part of a joint military exercise with the US is a significant development in the regional security landscape. This move is a clear message to China that the Philippines and the US are committed to upholding the rules-based order in the South China Sea (SCS). The missile systems, capable of striking Chinese naval assets and island bases, serve as a credible deterrent against China’s aggressive behavior in the region.
China’s reaction, accusing the Philippines of jeopardizing regional security and stability, seems to be a classic case of projection while Beijing’s own actions, including the militarization of artificial islands, deployment of advanced weaponry, and coercive tactics against its neighbors, have created tensions and instability in the SCS. I believe the Philippines and the US are simply taking necessary measures to ensure the freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, as well as the security of their own territorial interests.
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The mutual defense treaty between the US and the Philippines, signed in 1951 commits both nations to provide mutual support in case of an external attack, providing a strong deterrent against Chinese aggression. The treaty also facilitates close military cooperation, including joint exercises and training programs, which enhance the readiness and interoperability of both forces. Hence, the US involvement in the South China Sea crisis.
Interestingly, Malaysia would greatly benefit from similar strategic partnerships, particularly with the US and other like-minded nations. By strengthening its military ties with countries that share its values and interests, Malaysia can enhance its security and deterrence capabilities, reducing its vulnerability to Chinese coercion. Such partnerships would also enable Malaysia to participate in regional security initiatives.
Moreover, strategic partnerships would provide Malaysia with access to advanced military technology, training, and capacity-building programs, enabling its armed forces to better respond to emerging security challenges in the SCS. This could include the acquisition of advanced missile systems, surveillance capabilities, and maritime patrol aircraft, which would significantly enhance Malaysia’s ability to monitor and defend its territorial waters and airspace. Therefore, Malaysia must adopt a more assertive stance in defending its rights in the South China Sea, prioritizing its national interests and security over short-term economic benefits.
