Malaysia Outlines Five Strategic Measures To Enhance Regional Stability

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has outlined five strategic recommendations to build trust, strengthen cooperation and ensure lasting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in the South China Sea.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the recommendations emphasise the need to manage great power rivalry responsibly so that regional peace and stability are not undermined.

“Firstly, rivalry must be managed responsibly so that great power competition does not undermine regional peace and stability.

“Secondly, strength must be balanced with dialogue. Defence preparedness is necessary, but it must always be matched with consistent communication and diplomacy,” he said in his speech at the Second Plenary Session of the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing.

Thirdly, Mohamed Khaled stressed that international law must remain the guiding principle, with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982) providing the foundation for maritime order, freedom of navigation and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

“Fourthly, cooperation must be inclusive, where shared challenges such as climate change, pandemics, food security and the digital economy should serve as common grounds for trust and collaboration.

“Finally, we must advance multilateralism and preserve ASEAN centrality. Only collective problem-solving, inclusive rule-making and ASEAN’s neutrality can preserve autonomy and balance in the Asia-Pacific,” he added.

He stressed that the South China Sea must remain free, open and secure as it is a vital maritime corridor linking North and East Asia with the rest of the world and an essential lifeblood of the global economy and prosperity.

At the same time, Mohamed Khaled highlighted three core principles underpinning ASEAN’s approach to regional peace and security, particularly in the South China Sea.

“Firstly, security must be a collective endeavour, because a challenge to one member is a challenge to the whole region. ASEAN will continue to be the anchor of regional order by engaging all voices and fostering inclusion.

“We already have practical platforms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus, which are ASEAN-led mechanisms that build confidence and promote cooperation,” he said.

Secondly, Mohamed Khaled said ASEAN solidarity will continue to be revitalised and strengthened, noting that solidarity is not new to ASEAN as it has been part of its DNA since its founding in 1967.

“Solidarity does not mean mobilising our military strength. It means standing together and sending a clear message when one of us is tested, all of us also feel the pressure and challenge,” he added.

And last, but not least, Mohamed Khaled said peace and security require openness and honesty, as lasting trust cannot be built by hiding behind rhetoric, grand statements or diplomatic jargon.

“Malaysia remains fully committed to ASEAN’s vision as outlined in our Defence White Paper. We will continue to build credible partnerships and proactive engagements to safeguard lasting security in Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region,” he said.

The 12th Xiangshan Forum gathers defence ministers, senior military officials and security experts from around the world to discuss strategic issues and regional cooperation.

-- BERNAMA