As Malaysia and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties, Kuala Lumpur is facing increasing challenges from China in the South China Sea. The Philippines’ Inquirer reported that in February, Beijing demanded Malaysia immediately cease the exploration and development of oil and gas fields in the waters off Sarawak State. And this year alone, Beijing has maintained a continuous presence within Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone with at least eight different Chinese coast guard ships, three survey vessels, and Chinese maritime militia boats. As China ramps up pressure on the nations bordering the South China Sea, we ask whether Kuala Lumpur’s so-called “special relationship” with Beijing can escape increasing threats to Malaysian sovereignty.
