We must be clear and firm in facing the increasingly turbulent South China Sea

IT IS known that the South China Sea has seen multiple attempts of territorial claims between China and the ASEAN nations. Moreover, any attempts at solving the understandably complex knot surrounding the South China Sea are not simple and will take a long time. It is made known to the world that China sees the majority of the South China Sea as their territory particularly through the proclamation of the “Nine – Dash Line” and the fact that China has established a military forward based in the South China Sea.

This article is not one to revisit facts known to us but ascertain questions regarding how we as a nation attempt to navigate our way through the complex geopolitical issues concerning the South China Sea. While Malaysia has made headway in its military capacity, it is no secret that we would be at a grave disadvantage in the face of a goliath military might of a superpower such as China. Forbes Magazine on September 27th not only highlighted our disadvantages but with a tongue in cheek called our aerial forces as one of the weirdest air forces in the world. The article also highlighted that our aerial forces lack modern and high-performing fighter jets.

We are no strangers to hearing about the air space invasion of our beloved nation, this year alone we've witnessed multiple invasions by unwarranted guests. As recent as 31st May, 16 Chinese Air Force Jets II – 76 and Y – 20 and several other aircraft flew over the Spratly Island and cross over our Exclusive Economic Zone. If this isn't an act of provocation akin to an invasion, then I don't know what is it. Our air force while successfully intercepted these "guests", I shudder to think about the results if they had sent technologically superior aircraft.

If that isn't enough, China repeatedly encroached upon our waters over the years. From the standoff and harassment just on the doors of our Petronas oil platform to the recent intrusion of our economic zone in Borneo by their navy vessels, they have shown clear disregard of international conventions or norms. What is China up to? What if they decided to use advanced machinery and weaponry the next time around? Will our sovereignty be marred for the umpteenth time due to our soft approach?

These incidents made the news headline the world over resulting in countries urging Malaysia to increase its safety and security measures while also working towards purchasing new, more advanced weaponry and machines. Maybe these suggestions fall short of making us rethink our diplomatic approaches in dealing with Chinese incursion in our country and further lend credence to the perceived notion that Malaysia is porous and has a tendency to rely on superpowers particularly the Great Wall nation.

This perception is amplified concerning the Ministry of Defence's approach of reaching out to China for comments when asked recently about the tripartite submarine agreement between Australia, the UK dan the United States of America (AUKUS). This response which was ahead of other responses from the rest of the ASEAN nations is confusing seeing the fact that this region is shared with 9 other ASEAN states. Is the creed of ASEAN maintaining neutrality no longer relevant to the Ministry of Defence?

Meanwhile, referring to China's statement, the meeting between the Ministry of Defence of both countries and that Malaysia and China forge even closer cooperation to oppose 'hegemonism'. According to their Minister of Defence China is ready to work with Malaysia to jointly oppose ‘hegemonism’ and to strengthen communication and ways to address differences in the South China Sea, including security and stability cooperation in the Asia Pacific region. China also recommended that the two countries maintain high-level military relations, promote the development of cooperation mechanisms and strengthen multi-level coordination. Ministry of Defence Malaysia reiterated our appreciation towards China's assistance in helping with the country's fight against COVID-19 and was ready to further strengthen cooperation exchanges with China in dealing with pandemics. Our Ministry of Defence also expressed Malaysia's readiness to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China, involving security issues in the region, and to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries, including military cooperation.

The exchange while understandable, begs the question of why did our Ministry of Defence not press China with regards to their incursions both in the past and in recent times? Moreover, Malaysia's decision to continue to enhance its military relations with China on the heels of the AUKUS announcement when our ASEAN neighbors took a neutral stand is baffling.

China is the largest trading partner not only for Malaysia but for many other countries but we must navigate the intricacy and draw a clear and bold line between economic interests and the sovereignty of our land for until today China still claims that the majority of South China Sea is their territory. Moving forward, we must be reminded that the safety and sovereignty of our nation must not be traded for economic gains and we must be steadfast in dealing with any incursions to our country while beefing up our military prowess.

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* YB Imran Tamrin is from Sg Panjang, Selangor, and a lawyer that is keenly interested in international affairs. Currently the State Assemblymen from Sg Besar, he started his carrier with Petronas before being elected to his current post.

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