Eurasia Review: Malaysia and South China Sea: Will KL Abandon its Hedging Policy?

As Malaysia assumes its chairmanship of ASEAN for 2015, one of its top priorities will be to address the pressing issue of the South China Sea disputes, of which Kuala Lumpur is one of six claimants. However, one key question is how Malaysia could achieve any breakthrough since the country has placed a high priority on maintaining good overall ties with Beijing.

Even though Prime Minister Najib Razak also stressed Malaysia would promote moderation to address conflict and find solutions to issues concerning regional peace and security, I would argue that Kuala Lumpur is unlikely to abandon its hedging policy in managing the South China Sea disputes. The prospect of a solution, including the conclusion of the Code of Conduct, therefore, remains vague in the near future.

Current status of the disputes

Apart from Taiwan and three other ASEAN members – Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei – Malaysia is a significant claimant occupying seven islands in the Spratly group along a nearly 240 km arc stretching from Louisa Reef in the south, some 250 km from the Sabah coast, to Investigator Shoal midway between Malaysia and the Philippines. Media reports say China has been stepping up its military presence in Malaysia’s corner of the South China Sea. MORE