Malaysia’s long-standing strategy of non-alignment amid US-China rivalry in the South China Sea could soon be tested, with the eastern state of Sabah sitting near a potential flashpoint involving Philippine territory.
Observers pointed to comments by Malaysian Defence Minister Khaled Nordin, who last week voiced concern that a conflict or “unexpected incident” in the maritime region could spill over into Malaysia.
Khaled, who singled out Sabah, added that Malaysia was looking to strengthen its national defence as a precautionary measure.
“We know the challenges in the South China Sea and the rivalry between major powers. If something happens in that geographically small area, it could also affect our country,” local media quoted Khaled as saying on Saturday.
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