[Columnist] ASEAN needs to combat Assertive Agendas, no matter where they are

KUALA LUMPUR: In the geopolitically charged waters of the South China Sea, a recent incident involving a Filipino supply boat and China's coast guard, as reported by the BBC, has reignited concerns over Beijing's territorial ambitions.

This episode, while alarming, is hardly not isolated; it is emblematic of China's growing assertiveness in the region, drawing unsettling parallels with the Zionist Israeli government's approach to Palestinian territories.

While some may argue that the geopolitical landscapes of the South China Sea and the Middle East might seem worlds apart, a closer examination reveals striking parallels between China's behavior in its maritime backyard and Israel's actions in Palestinian territories.

Both nations, driven by historical narratives and strategic imperatives, have pursued their own territorial ambitions and adopted aggressive expansionist tendencies that challenge international norms and regional stability.

Israel's continued settlement construction in Palestinian territories mirrors China's strategy of constructing artificial islands in the South China Sea, altering the geopolitical status quo.

Both actions serve dual purposes: cementing territorial claims and establishing facts on the ground that are hard to reverse.

China's assertiveness in the South China Sea can be traced back to its "Century of Humiliation" from the mid-19th to mid-20th century, when it suffered territorial losses and subjugation by Western powers and Japan.

This period has left an indelible mark on China's national psyche, fueling its determination to reclaim lost territories and restore its historical greatness.

The South China Sea, with its rich resources and strategic importance, became a focal point of China's rejuvenation efforts, leading to territorial claims that overlap with several ASEAN nations such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Israel's territorial ambitions are rooted in biblical history. The concept of a "Promised Land" for the Jewish people has been a central tenet of Zionism. The traumatic experiences of the Holocaust further intensified the Jewish diaspora's desire for a homeland.

Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Israel was established, but its borders have been a point of contention. Over the decades, Israel has expanded its territories, often citing historical and security reasons, leading to the occupation of Palestinian lands.

For both China and Israel, nationalism plays a crucial role in their mission.

China's Communist Party has stoked nationalistic sentiments to legitimize its rule, framing its actions in the South China Sea as reclaiming national honor. Similarly, Israeli governments have often invoked nationalistic narratives to rally domestic support for their policies in Palestinian territories.

The South China Sea, rich in resources and a vital shipping route, has been a bone of contention for many years.

Beijing claims almost the entire sea, overlapping with the territorial claims of several ASEAN nations. In a similar vein, Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories has been a longstanding point of contention in the Middle East.

Just as the international community has united in support of the Palestinian cause, calling on Israel to adhere to international norms, the nations of ASEAN must now present a united front against China's encroachments.

The South China Sea, a region abundant in resources and a crucial shipping route, has long been a contentious issue.

In 2016, The Hague's international arbitration court issued a ruling against China's extensive maritime claims.

However, much like Israel's disregard for UN resolutions, China has chosen to disregard this ruling. Such defiance of international norms underlines the audacity displayed by these nations in their pursuit of territorial gains.

For ASEAN, remaining silent is no longer an option. As an organization established to promote regional stability and cooperation, it must adopt a unified position.

Malaysia, as a vital member of ASEAN, should take the lead in expressing condemnation and rallying other member states to safeguard their territorial integrity.

While the geopolitical circumstances surrounding the South China Sea and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict differ, the fundamental drivers of territorial aspirations, historical narratives, and strategic imperatives bring these two scenarios closer than they may initially appear.

In the interest of regional stability and the maintenance of international law, ASEAN, with Malaysia at the forefront, must take decisive action.

The future stability of the South China Sea in the next few decades depends on the unified actions taken today.

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* Ahmad Zaim Ahmad Tawfek was an assistant to Federal ministers in formulating economic, youth and foreign policies for Malaysia.

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