On 22 June 2024, YCAPS Research Fellow Ivy Kwek participated in a forum in Kuala Lumpur co organized by the Institute of China Studies, University of Malaya, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The forum coincided with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China relations, which also saw China's Premier Li Qiang visiting Malaysia to commemorate the milestone. Scholars from Malaysia and China attended the event, along with many members of public and Chinese students studying in Malaysia.
In a panel titled "Chinese Modernization and China-Malaysia Cooperation: Opportunities and Challenges," Ivy outlined three opportunities and three challenges critical for enhancing bilateral relations.
Firstly, Ivy highlighted that the current Malaysian administration under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has actively sought to improve relations with China. Beyond mere transactional economic benefits, Ivy argued that Malaysia's engagement stems from a strategic interest in balancing ties between China and the United States (U.S.), particularly amidst disillusionment towards the U.S. exacerbated by recent events like the Israel-Palestine crisis. From Malaysia's perspective, China's rise and its alternative discourse on modernization offer a healthy dose of competition between the superpowers that could benefit smaller countries.
Secondly, China plays a crucial role in helping Malaysia achieve its economic transformation goals, as outlined in initiatives like the National Industrial Manufacturing Plan (NIMP) 2030, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), and the MyDigital Economy Blueprint. This includes bolstering semiconductor supply chains, leveraging China's potential in electric vehicles and solar panel production to develop a greener economy, and harnessing China's scientific prowess to advance Malaysia's technological capabilities in AI and digital connectivity. Thus, economic relations between Malaysia and China should focus on high-quality development beyond mere trade and investment figures.
Thirdly, there are opportunities for Malaysia and China to collaborate closely in shaping global discourse, particularly at the UN and other international platforms. Malaysia has actively advocated for Global South perspectives and has voiced concerns on issues such as the war on Gaza and nuclear proliferation. China can show leadership where the U.S. has faltered, but it needs to demonstrate its commitment to initiatives outlined in documents like the Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Development Initiative (GDI), and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI).
However, Ivy also pointed out significant challenges, notably the South China Sea issue, which remains a contentious point between China and Malaysia. Despite diplomatic efforts on both sides, tensions persist at the operational level, making the situation prone to escalations. This is particularly concerning as Malaysia increases oil and gas exploration in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), with the Chinese Coast Guard known to be active in the vicinity often shadowing and even harassing oil exploration vessels. How China and Malaysia manage their differences is also dependent on the broader maritime security environment, in potential flashpoints such as Second Thomas Shoal and the Taiwan Strait.
Secondly, there exists a gap in mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries. Ivy observed that many Chineses she spoke to had limited knowledge of Malaysia, while many Malaysians struggled to grasp China's rapid change. Increasing free-flowing, candid people-to- people exchanges, which will be boosted by recent visa-free access, could help bridge this gap, though challenges will persist as the Chinese population continues to receive information from a digital environment that is different from the rest of the world.
Lastly, issues such as Xinjiang and broader concerns about religious freedoms and treatment of Muslims in China could potentially strain China-Malaysia relations, given Malaysia's Muslim- majority population. While not currently a major point of concern in the bilateral relation, ensuring respect for these concerns remains essential.
In conclusion, Ivy emphasized that while opportunities abound to strengthen China-Malaysia relations, both nations must remain mindful of potential pitfalls. As China grows stronger militarily, it is inevitable that smaller nations like Malaysia harbor concerns. More transparency from China and a willingness to address concerns raised by its partners can help mitigate these apprehensions.