Malaysia’s Strategy in the U.S.-China Rivalry | Taiwan Talks EP527

With China asserting its territorial claims in the South China Sea, territorial disputes have erupted between countries in the region. Malaysia is situated at a strategic corridor in the South China Sea, and the Southeast Asian nation is celebrating its 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China this year. In this episode of “Taiwan Talks,” we will delve into the impact of Malaysia-China relations. Furthermore, with Malaysia assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN, how will Malaysia play a diplomatic role in the region’s U.S. and China relations? How should Malaysia balance itself amid increasing U.S.-China competition?

Our guests are:

Lai I-chung
Prospect Foundation President

Chen Ming-chi
National Tsing-Hua University Institute of Sociology Associate Professor

Chapters
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:00 – Current State of Malaysia-China Ties
00:02:52 – What Distinguishes Malaysia-China Ties?
00:05:05 – Malaysia’s Role in Southeast Asia
00:07:45 – How Should Malaysia Position Itself in ASEAN?
00:08:42 – Economic Shifts in China, ASEAN
00:13:41 – Malaysia’s Role in China-U.S. Rivalry
00:18:39 – Will Middle East Influence ASEAN?
00:22:23 – Meaning of Xi’s Comments on Taiwan