[COLUMNIST] Appeasement no more: Malaysia must defend its sovereignty in the South China Sea

IN the intricate ballet of international relations, where the dance floor is the vast Asia-Pacific maritime domain, Malaysia finds itself in a precarious position. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent remarks during the ASEAN – Australia Summit, urging caution against hindering China's rise warrant a closer examination, particularly when evaluated through the lens of national sovereignty, regional stability, and adherence to international law.

This article argues that Prime Minister Anwar's stance presents a rather simplistic view of the situation.

While Malaysia certainly does not seek to impede China's legitimate development, its primary concern lies in safeguarding its own maritime borders from unwelcome intrusions.

The South China Sea has become a flashpoint for competing territorial claims, with China's assertive actions frequently conflicting with the sovereign rights of neighbouring states, including Malaysia. These manoeuvres not only defy the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) but also threaten the very foundation of the international order.

The experiences of the Philippines and Vietnam serve as a stark warning for Malaysia. Their struggles highlight a potential future where Malaysian sovereignty and maritime rights are similarly contested. China's actions paint a picture not of a peaceful rise but of a calculated strategy to expand its influence, encroaching upon the territories of its neighbours under the guise of economic development.

To suggest that resistance to these advancements is simply an attempt to stifle China's growth is to fundamentally misunderstand the core issue. This is not a simplistic narrative of the West versus China; it is about the fundamental right of a nation to defend its interests and uphold its sovereignty. The discourse should shift away from geopolitical rivalry and focus on the universally accepted principles of respecting territorial integrity and adhering to international law.

Therefore, Malaysia's stance is not driven by opposition to China's development, but by an unwavering commitment to protecting its territorial waters. Cases like the recent presence of a Chinese Coast Guard vessel near Beting Patinggi Ali, Sarawak in Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) reported in recent years, highlight the urgency of addressing these incursions. This is not an isolated incident; there have been numerous documented instances in the past where Chinese Coast Guard vessels have been spotted in Malaysian waters.

Malaysia's unwavering support for the peaceful resolution of South China Sea disputes underscores its dedication to a stable, law-abiding, and cooperative regional order. Engagement with China, or any nation for that matter, must be built upon mutual respect, adherence to established legal frameworks, and the unwavering protection of sovereign rights.

However, continued appeasement in the face of repeated violations has proven ineffective. It is time for Malaysia to adopt a more robust strategy to defend its national interests. This includes:

• Strengthening its military presence in the South China Sea to deter further incursions.

• Forming stronger alliances with regional partners who share similar concerns about China's maritime ambitions.

• Publicly denouncing violations of international law and Malaysia's territorial integrity.

As Malaysia navigates the complex landscape of international diplomacy, its course of action is clear. The path forward necessitates open communication, adherence to international norms, and a concerted effort to ensure peace and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. In confronting the challenges posed by China's maritime strategy, Malaysia does not act as an adversary, but as a champion for a rules-based order, advocating for fair and lawful conduct among nations.

The sovereignty of Malaysia and the integrity of its maritime domain are not bargaining chips; they are the cornerstones guiding the nation's foreign policy. In the grand scheme of international relations, Malaysia's message is clear: its unwavering commitment lies in safeguarding its sovereignty and promoting a peaceful, stable, and just regional order. Prime Minister Anwar's call for caution must be balanced with a firm and resolute defence of Malaysia's national interests. The Government must take a definitive stance against these incursions and uphold Malaysia's territorial rights with greater resolve.

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** Rahman Hussin interests is in public affairs, politics and stakeholder managements. He is Managing Director of Imperium Consulting Asia that serves a wide range of clients focusing on strategy and government affairs.

** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.

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