KUALA LUMPUR – Bilateral talks between Beijing and Putrajaya in Langkawi, aimed at exploring potential rights for China in Malaysia’s waters, appear to have stalled. This impasse follows significant opposition from various quarters, including politicians, MPs, and security experts.
While the National Security Council issued a statement last week reaffirming both countries’ commitment to practical maritime cooperation, it seems no decisions have yet been made regarding energy exploration.
Nevertheless, this does not entirely preclude the possibility of China’s involvement in exploration activities within Malaysia’s maritime territories, as it is understood that a follow-up bilateral meeting is set to be scheduled.
These developments come as Putrajaya navigates its relationship with China, a major trading partner that has increasingly challenged Malaysia’s maritime boundaries.
Apart from sporadic reports of Chinese military aircraft and coast guard vessels encroaching upon Malaysian waters, Beijing’s challenges have remained diplomatic, in contrast to the more confrontational incidents it has had with the Philippines in the South China Sea.
It is understood that the recent secretive bilateral talks in Langkawi on October 16 stemmed from a 2009 agreement between Putrajaya and Beijing aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation.
However, provisions in the bilateral agreement have courted concerns as it appears to include provisions to cooperate over energy exploration in Malaysia’s economic zone.
Since ASEAN already offers Malaysia a platform for energy cooperation, the rationale behind Putrajaya’s desire to work with China in this area is unclear, particularly given China’s aggressive approach in the South China Sea.
Moreover, this initiative, which could significantly influence geopolitics in the South China Sea, reportedly proceeded without consulting the state governments of Sabah and Sarawak.
Previously in interviews with Scoop, Former Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan both stressed the importance of securing Malaysia’s sovereign rights, urging Putrajaya to protect local interests when making foreign policy decisions.
As bilateral talks between the two nations are poised to resume, the outcome remains uncertain following Malaysia’s recent inclusion as a partner nation in the BRICS alliance.
Malaysia has already requested support from China, a founding member of the international bloc, for its bid for full membership. Beijing’s positive response may render Putrajaya more amenable to further maritime cooperation. – October 30, 2024