Why Malaysia has stayed quiet but firm on its South China Sea stance

The history of Malaysia's involvement in the South China Sea

Malaysia has been involved in the South China Sea dispute since the 1970s, when it claimed several islands in the Spratly Islands. China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brunei also claim all or part of the Spratly Islands. In 1995, Malaysia and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the South China Sea. The MOU stated that the two countries would work together to explore and develop resources in the area. However, relations between Malaysia and China deteriorated in 2013, when China began to build artificial islands in the Spratly Islands. Malaysia protested the construction, and in 2016, it filed a lawsuit against China with the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). The PCA ruled in 2016 that China's claims to the Spratly Islands were invalid. However, China has refused to accept the ruling, and it continues to build artificial islands in the area.

Malaysia's current stance on the South China Sea

Malaysia has remained quiet on the South China Sea dispute in recent years. However, it has continued to assert its claims to the Spratly Islands. In 2019, Malaysia's foreign minister, Saifuddin Abdullah, said that Malaysia would not allow any foreign power to occupy the Spratly Islands. He also said that Malaysia would continue to work with other countries to find a peaceful solution to the dispute.

Why Malaysia has stayed quiet but firm on its South China Sea stance

There are several reasons why Malaysia has stayed quiet on the South China Sea dispute in recent years. First, Malaysia does not want to provoke China. China is a powerful country, and Malaysia does not want to risk damaging its relationship with China. Second, Malaysia is not sure how to resolve the dispute. The PCA ruling did not resolve the dispute, and China has refused to accept the ruling. Malaysia does not want to take any action that could escalate the dispute. Third, Malaysia is focused on other issues. Malaysia is facing economic challenges, and it is also dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The South China Sea dispute is not a priority for Malaysia at this time. Despite its quiet stance, Malaysia has remained firm on its claims to the Spratly Islands. Malaysia will continue to assert its claims, and it will continue to work with other countries to find a peaceful solution to the dispute.