Indonesia and Malaysia Navigate Complex Ties with China
- FSI
Professor Cheng-Chwee Kuik, a professor of international relations at the National University of Malaysia (UKM), who was the keynote speaker at the seminar, identified three key factors shaping Malaysia's complex foreign policy towards China: economic pragmatism, engagement, and equidistance. According to Kuik, economic pragmatism has been the cornerstone of Malaysia-China relations since before the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1974.
"China has been Malaysia's top trading partner since 2009, one of the top investors, and one of the key partners on infrastructure development. These economic ties are, by and large, mutually beneficial and productive," Kuik said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Khoirul Umam, Managing Director of the Paramadina Public Policy Institute, characterized Indonesia's relationship with China as a double-edged sword. "China employs a 'charming offensive strategy,' but it can quickly switch to an 'alarming offensive strategy,'" Umam warned. He emphasized the need for Indonesia to navigate its relationship with China cautiously, particularly in the context of the South China Sea.
Umam also highlighted the importance of ASEAN as a collective entity in dealing with major powers, especially amid the US-China rivalry. However, he acknowledged that ASEAN unity is often tested, particularly due to the economic dependence of some ASEAN members on China.
Both Kuik and Umam emphasized the significance of equidistance as a key policy principle for Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. By maintaining a neutral stance, these countries can engage with all major powers while safeguarding their national interests.
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