[COLUMNIST] The geopolitical chessboard: Malaysia's delicate balance in the South China Sea

In the intricate game of geopolitics, maps are more than mere representations of territory; they are instruments of power and influence. China's recent unveiling of its 2023 Standard Map, which audaciously includes significant portions of Malaysian waters near Sabah and Sarawak, is a case in point. This cartographic exercise is not merely an academic endeavor; it is a calculated geopolitical maneuver that challenges the territorial integrity of several nations, including Malaysia. As a country that has long navigated the complexities of regional politics, Malaysia now finds itself at a critical juncture.

The new map is not an isolated incident; it is part of a broader Chinese strategy to assert its territorial claims in the South China Sea. By including waters within Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), China is effectively challenging the very notion of Malaysian sovereignty. This is not merely a violation of international law; it is a direct affront to the established norms of statecraft.

The new map is but the latest in a series of Chinese actions that have raised eyebrows in Kuala Lumpur. In recent years, Chinese vessels have been spotted within Malaysia's EEZ on multiple occasions. In 2020, a Chinese survey ship, the Haiyang Dizhi 8, conducted operations within 200 nautical miles off the coast of Sarawak, an action that led to a diplomatic protest from Malaysia. In another incident, Chinese fishing vessels were found operating illegally in waters off Sabah, escorted by Chinese Coast Guard ships. These are not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of behavior that undermines Malaysia's territorial integrity.

As a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Malaysia has a vested interest in maintaining regional stability. The new map has implications not just for Malaysia but for the entire ASEAN community. A divided ASEAN would only serve to weaken the collective bargaining power of its members, thereby tilting the balance of power further in China's favor.

In the realm of international politics, power is often a function of perception. Malaysia must, therefore, adopt a multi-pronged strategy to address this issue:

In the final analysis, the issue at hand is not just about lines on a map; it is about the very principles that underpin the international order. Malaysia, like all sovereign nations, has the inalienable right to defend its territorial integrity. In the face of China's cartographic aggression, a nuanced, multi-dimensional strategy is not just advisable; it is imperative.

By adopting a Kissingerian approach to statecraft—one that balances power with diplomacy, strategy with ethics—Malaysia can navigate the treacherous waters of the South China Sea and secure a future that respects its sovereignty while upholding the principles of international law.

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* Rahman Hussin interests is in public affairs, politics and stakeholder managements. He runs his own firm that serves a wide range of clients focusing on strategy and government affairs.