THE ASEAN DAILY

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    What's Hot

    Bangkok SAO collapse: One body and remains of seven unearthed

    April 30, 2025

    Japan and Philippines forge ‘golden age’ of ties with strategic, humanitarian, and economic agreements

    April 30, 2025

    Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra addresses construction safety after SAO collapse

    April 1, 2025
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Breaking News :
    • Bangkok SAO collapse: One body and remains of seven unearthed
    • Japan and Philippines forge ‘golden age’ of ties with strategic, humanitarian, and economic agreements
    • Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra addresses construction safety after SAO collapse
    • Petronas gas pipeline explosion sparks massive blaze in Selangor
    • Kim Soo-hyun breaks silence on Kim Sae-ron allegations, denies dating her as a minor
    • Antipolo road rage turns deadly: Three shot in violent traffic dispute
    • Baguio mayor Magalong alleges election fund misuse in 2025 budget, faces death threats
    • ASEAN mobilises aid as Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 694
    Facebook Twitter Instagram TikTok
    THE ASEAN DAILYTHE ASEAN DAILY
    • NEWS
      1. BREAKING NEWS
      2. WORLD
      3. SINGAPORE
      4. BANGKOK
      5. MANILA
      6. JAKARTA
      7. KUALA LUMPUR
      8. HANOI
      9. View All

      Bangkok SAO collapse: One body and remains of seven unearthed

      April 30, 2025

      Japan and Philippines forge ‘golden age’ of ties with strategic, humanitarian, and economic agreements

      April 30, 2025

      Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra addresses construction safety after SAO collapse

      April 1, 2025

      Petronas gas pipeline explosion sparks massive blaze in Selangor

      April 1, 2025

      Myanmar earthquake claims 694 lives as Mandalay faces devastation

      March 29, 2025

      China deploys H-6 bombers near Scarborough shoal amid US-Philippines talks

      March 28, 2025

      Devastating earthquake hits central Myanmar, shakes Bangkok with collapsing buildings

      March 28, 2025

      Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing poised for rare international appearance at BIMSTEC summit

      March 28, 2025

      Singapore hotel tycoon Ong Beng Seng’s guilty plea delayed amid medical review

      March 26, 2025

      Lev Panfilov convicted of rape in landmark Singapore ruling

      March 22, 2025

      Tamil radio host Gunalan Morgan faces legal charges for sexual misconduct and voyeurism

      March 21, 2025

      Scoot expands routes and fleet in 2025 amid Southeast Asia growth push

      March 11, 2025

      Bangkok SAO collapse: One body and remains of seven unearthed

      April 30, 2025

      Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra addresses construction safety after SAO collapse

      April 1, 2025

      Bangkok earthquake triggers deadly building collapse, dozens feared trapped

      March 28, 2025

      Sky bridge detaches at luxury park origin Thonglor complex, urgent inspections underway

      March 28, 2025

      Japan and Philippines forge ‘golden age’ of ties with strategic, humanitarian, and economic agreements

      April 30, 2025

      Antipolo road rage turns deadly: Three shot in violent traffic dispute

      March 31, 2025

      Baguio mayor Magalong alleges election fund misuse in 2025 budget, faces death threats

      March 29, 2025

      US defence secretary Pete Hegseth visits Manila, reinforcing military ties

      March 28, 2025

      Tempo journalists intimidated with gruesome threats amid government scrutiny

      March 23, 2025

      Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupts, forcing flight cancellations and expanding danger zone

      March 22, 2025

      Australian tourist dies in Bali snorkelling tragedy as boat capsizes

      March 22, 2025

      Indonesian soldier arrested over fatal shooting of 3 police officers in cockfighting raid

      March 19, 2025

      Petronas gas pipeline explosion sparks massive blaze in Selangor

      April 1, 2025

      ASEAN mobilises aid as Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 694

      March 29, 2025

      AirAsia flight AK128 returns to KLIA2 after engine fire scare

      March 27, 2025

      Anwar rejects $10M ransom demand in MAHB cyberattack, vows tougher cybersecurity

      March 26, 2025

      Hanoi ranks among world’s most polluted cities as AQI hits 196

      February 27, 2025

      Knife-wielding man falls to death from gold shop balcony in Dak Lak

      January 25, 2025

      Family tragedy rocks quiet village in Hanoi as 4 found dead, one missing

      January 18, 2025

      Vietnam, Poland strengthen ties with new agreements and community initiatives

      January 17, 2025

      Bangkok SAO collapse: One body and remains of seven unearthed

      April 30, 2025

      Japan and Philippines forge ‘golden age’ of ties with strategic, humanitarian, and economic agreements

      April 30, 2025

      Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra addresses construction safety after SAO collapse

      April 1, 2025

      Petronas gas pipeline explosion sparks massive blaze in Selangor

      April 1, 2025
    • OPINION

      Balancing free speech and fake news: The Philippines’ tightrope walk on disinformation laws

      March 26, 2025

      Duterte’s ICC arrest sparks asylum rumours as China stays silent

      March 26, 2025

      Myanmar Junta’s grip shrinks to one-fifth of nation as ASEAN pressure mounts

      March 24, 2025

      Former Philippine president apprehended: A legacy of controversy unveiled

      March 11, 2025

      Thailand’s deep South conflict: Two decades of violence, failed policies, and uncertain peace

      February 26, 2025
    • BUSINESS/ FINANCE

      Intel appoints new CEO amid industry challenges and leadership turmoil

      March 14, 2025

      Trump confirms TikTok sale talks with multiple buyers amid US ban threat

      March 11, 2025

      Warren Buffett slams Trump’s new tariffs as “an act of war”

      March 3, 2025

      Hong Kong faces deepest budget deficit in 30 years amid economic struggles

      February 23, 2025

      Nissan reportedly poised to abandon merger talks with Honda amid strategic disagreements

      February 5, 2025
    • ENTERTAINMENT/ LIFESTYLE
      1. VIRAL NEWS
      2. View All

      Ceiling collapse at Johor Bahru’s KSL city mall sparks safety concerns

      March 10, 2025

      Batik Air flight faces mid-air scare as burning power bank triggers smoke alarm

      March 2, 2025

      Elderly woman in Taiwan kept daughter’s body at home for 6 years

      February 28, 2025

      Village dog uncovers 14,000 meth pills in Thailand’s Buri Ram

      February 26, 2025

      Kim Soo-hyun breaks silence on Kim Sae-ron allegations, denies dating her as a minor

      March 31, 2025

      Lady Gaga to rock Singapore with exclusive four-night concert at national stadium

      March 10, 2025

      Ceiling collapse at Johor Bahru’s KSL city mall sparks safety concerns

      March 10, 2025

      Batik Air flight faces mid-air scare as burning power bank triggers smoke alarm

      March 2, 2025
    • SPORTS

      Filipino sensation Alex Eala falls to Pegula in historic Miami open semifinal

      March 28, 2025

      Philippine tennis star Alexandra Eala stuns world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in Miami open shock

      March 27, 2025

      Carlos and Eldrew Yulo chase olympic dreams amidst ongoing family rift

      February 3, 2025

      Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting withdraws from boxing finals amid gender eligibility controversy

      November 27, 2024

      Kunlavut Vitidsarn wins Korea masters 2024, defeats Wang Zheng Xing in straight games

      November 11, 2024
    • TECHNOLOGY
      1. PHONES
      2. GADGETS
      3. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      4. View All

      Huawei’s Mate XT smartphone draws 3 million pre-orders ahead of iPhone 16 launch

      September 10, 2024

      Apple unveils AI-powered iPhone 16, promising a new era of smart technology

      September 10, 2024

      leaked iPhone 16 pro colour options offer tantalizing glimpse of Apple’s next-gen flagship

      August 2, 2024

      Sony unveils PlayStation 5 Pro: Launch set for 7 November

      September 11, 2024

      Apple unveils latest iPad lineup and accessories at “let loose” event

      May 8, 2024

      Apple Unveils First-Ever Mixed Reality Headset, Taking On Meta In Expanding Market

      June 6, 2023

      Israeli Startup Sightful Unveils Screenless Laptop PC Concept With Augmented Reality Glasses

      May 26, 2023

      DBS bank to trim 4,000 roles as AI takes over human tasks

      February 25, 2025

      DeepSeek bypasses NVIDIA CUDA, achieves tenfold AI efficiency boost

      February 3, 2025

      OpenAI restructures as public benefit corporation to attract major investments

      December 27, 2024

      OpenAI defends for-profit transition against Elon Musk’s legal challenge

      December 14, 2024

      DBS bank to trim 4,000 roles as AI takes over human tasks

      February 25, 2025

      New ‘Astaroth’ phishing kit bypasses 2FA, poses major cybersecurity threat

      February 22, 2025

      DeepSeek bypasses NVIDIA CUDA, achieves tenfold AI efficiency boost

      February 3, 2025

      Meta dismantles fact-checking programme in major shift towards community moderation

      January 8, 2025
    • CRYPTO/ NFT

      Donald Trump Jr. champions crypto as key to U.S. economic dominance at Ondo summit

      February 7, 2025

      Solana’s stablecoin surge hits $10.5B amid Trump-themed memecoin frenzy

      January 25, 2025

      Trump signs executive order to boost Crypto, rejects central bank digital currency

      January 24, 2025

      Malaysia to forge cryptocurrency and blockchain policies after UAE talks

      January 15, 2025

      Bitcoin breaks $100,000 mark amid Trump’s pro-crypto agenda

      December 5, 2024
    THE ASEAN DAILY
    Home » Malaysia’s balancing act: Charting an independent foreign policy amid great power rivalry
    OPINION 4 Mins Read

    Malaysia’s balancing act: Charting an independent foreign policy amid great power rivalry

    July 3, 2024By The ASEAN Daily
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email Telegram
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email Reddit Telegram WhatsApp

     

    3-7-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has found himself navigating a delicate path as he articulates his government’s relationship with China amidst intense global scrutiny. Like his predecessors, he has had to address this issue frequently since taking office, as geopolitical observers closely analyze Putrajaya’s ties to Beijing through every high-level meeting, public announcement, and policy decision. The recent official visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Malaysia, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, has reignited the latest round of scrutiny.

    Those inclined to place Malaysia in China’s camp might point to the language on Taiwan in the joint statement released by both governments at the end of Li’s visit. Malaysia’s declaration of its recognition of Taiwan as an “inalienable territory of the People’s Republic of China, in order for China to achieve national reunification” and pledge to “not support any call for the independence of Taiwan” stood out as uncharacteristically explicit, particularly when compared to previous joint statements.

    This explicit position drew a concerned response from Taipei, which not only condemned and refuted what it called “false claims” about Taiwan in the joint statement but also called on the “Malaysian government not to follow China in undermining Taiwan’s sovereignty.” This reaction was perhaps inevitable, given the souring ties between Taipei and Beijing, as well as what now seems to be a deliberate effort by Beijing to create international support for what it refers to as its one-China principle.

    However, a closer examination reveals that Malaysia’s recent affirmation of the status of Taiwan was a restatement of language from the 1974 joint communique on the normalization of relations between China and Malaysia. Paragraph 3 “acknowledges the position of the Chinese Government that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China.” Putrajaya’s 2024 joint statement, therefore, reflects a continuation of Malaysia’s one-China policy from half a century ago.

    While the wisdom of making such a public display of this position at an internationally delicate time might be arguable, viewed through a bilateral lens, the move signaled the Anwar government’s extension of goodwill on a matter important to China at a symbolically significant juncture in the relationship, without any substantive change or concession in Malaysian policy.

    This diplomatic maneuver could also set the tone for both sides to launch a bilateral dialogue on managing maritime issues, which was mentioned in the 2024 joint communique. While this plan might seem naive given recent events in the South China Sea, the clashes at sea underscore the urgency of an institutionalized bilateral channel for maritime discussions between Malaysia and China. Having a platform is better than not having one at all, particularly if it can complement ongoing multilateral efforts such as the negotiations over a code of conduct in the South China Sea.

    Anwar’s announcement of Malaysia’s intention to join the expanded BRICS grouping ahead of Li’s visit provided further fodder for speculation about China’s gravitational pull. However, to view Malaysia’s interest in this reductive manner is to fundamentally misunderstand the country’s long-standing investment in multilateralism and its interest in engaging multiple instruments for different reasons.

    Malaysia’s approach reflects a pragmatic pursuit of its national interests through diverse avenues, as exemplified by its simultaneous participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Similarly, Malaysia’s application for BRICS membership will take place as it continues engaging in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, while also assuming the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year and pursuing diplomatic, security, and military cooperation with a wide range of partners.

    At a time when the status quo no longer adequately reflects the desires of the global majority, it only makes sense for Malaysia to seek a more active role in different forums to secure its interests. Contrary to what some might believe, it is possible for the nation to walk and chew gum at the same time, charting an independent foreign policy that balances its relationships with various powers while upholding its principles and priorities.

    The ASEAN Daily

    The Asean Daily is the leading online news platform providing in-depth coverage and analysis of the latest developments across Southeast Asia.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Telegram Email Reddit WhatsApp
    Previous ArticleSenator urges suspended mayor Alice Guo to cooperate in POGO probe
    Next Article Massive stampede at hindu religious gathering in uttar pradesh claims 116 lives

    Related Posts

    OPINION

    Balancing free speech and fake news: The Philippines’ tightrope walk on disinformation laws

    March 26, 2025
    OPINION

    Duterte’s ICC arrest sparks asylum rumours as China stays silent

    March 26, 2025
    OPINION

    Myanmar Junta’s grip shrinks to one-fifth of nation as ASEAN pressure mounts

    March 24, 2025
    Must READ
    VIRAL NEWS
    3 Mins Read

    Rising Taiwanese AV Star Han Tang Talks Candidly About Her Journey In The Adult Industry

    June 9, 2023By The ASEAN Daily

    10-6-2023 (TAIPEI) Taiwanese AV actress Han Tang, who is just 24 years old, has…

    Bali authorities permanently close controversial ‘Russian village’ in Ubud

    January 21, 2025

    Cathryn Li Engages In Heated Exchange With Comedian Chrissie Mayr Over Jocelyn Chia’s Joke

    June 13, 2023

    Taiwanese star Barbie Hsu dies at 48 during family holiday in Japan

    February 3, 2025
    Fresh News

    Bangkok SAO collapse: One body and remains of seven unearthed

    April 30, 2025

    Japan and Philippines forge ‘golden age’ of ties with strategic, humanitarian, and economic agreements

    April 30, 2025

    Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra addresses construction safety after SAO collapse

    April 1, 2025

    Petronas gas pipeline explosion sparks massive blaze in Selangor

    April 1, 2025
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    Facebook Twitter Instagram

    News

    • ASEAN
    • BUSINESS/ FINANCE
    • ENTERTAINMENT/ LIFESTYLE
    • SPORTS
    • TECHNOLOGY
    • CRYPTO/ NFT

    ABOUT US

    • Information
    • Editorial Team
    • Contact Info
    • Editorial Standards
    © 2025 THE ASEAN DAILY.
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms
    • FAQ

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.