Malaysia’s Relations with China: A Multifaceted Approach
China has always maintained a strong position in Malaysia’s foreign policy for one reason or another. The China-Malaysia ties, which were once strained by Chinese containment, have now become more cordial.
Malaysia has opened itself up to China, adopting a multifaceted approach to the rising power. Areej Haider notes that Malaysia’s policy towards China now hinges on two factors: containing the latter’s influence, and engaging with it for the sake of economic benefits.
China, Indonesia, & the South China Sea Dispute
China has always maintained sovereignty over the South China Sea, which is rich in both oil and natural gas reserves. More so, its sea routes are critical for China’s maritime transportation.
Interestingly, while China has never claimed Indonesia’s Natuna islands, it has also never clarified the meaning of the nine-dash line that overlaps with Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone near the Natuna Islands.
Blinken’s Africa Visit: The China-Russia Threat
Seeing as the African nations hold huge importance in terms of resources and strategic location, the US finds China and Russia’s visits to the region concerning. In view of that, on 8th August, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid a visit to South Africa to further its relations with the African nation.
