Malaysia’s “Special Relationship” with China and the South China Sea: Not So Special Anymore

Abstract

Malaysia’s announcement of an “intrusion” by a Chinese ship in June 2015 may be emblematic of persistent political inertia that has resisted making difficult strategic decisions. The claim of a “special relationship” with China has been undermined by Chinese activities in the waters off Malaysian Borneo, putting Malaysia into an awkward position domestically. Political inertia is being diminished by this new operational reality, increasing concern within government. But these questions will require new and difficult answers from the Malaysian leadership and possibly a reappraisal of their broader approach to disputes and to ASEAN.