Malaysia’s China Policy and the South China Sea Dispute Under the Najib Administration (2009–2018): A Domestic Policy Process Approach

Ngeow, Chow Bing

doi:10.1111/aspp.12494

Cited by 5 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 18 publications

(16 reference statements)

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“…The entire cost of the project was RM4.5 billion, with the Chinese government contributing a portion of the funding. China Harbour Engineering Co. Ltd. (CHEC) and its Malaysian equivalent, United Engineers Malaysia Berhad (UEM Group), are the driving forces behind this project, which exemplifies the productive partnership that exists between the two countries (Ngeow, 2019).…”

Section: Symbolic Of the Enhanced Economic Links And Mutual Collabora...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These investments totaled RM900 million and RM4.5 billion, respectively. Iskandar has been transformed into a bustling economic centre as a result of these initiatives, which have attracted investors from both the local and international communities (Ngeow, 2019).…”

Section: Symbolic Of the Enhanced Economic Links And Mutual Collabora...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These universities include some of the most famous educational establishments in the country, such as Peking University and Beijing Foreign Language Statistics University. Because of these programmes, which date back to 1962, there has been a deliberate attempt to foster language and cultural contacts between Malaysia and China with the purpose of improving ties between countries (Ngeow, 2019).…”

Section: Symbolic Of the Enhanced Economic Links And Mutual Collabora...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There is a possibility that Malaysia-China relations may benefit from increased cultural exchanges, which will promote mutual respect, friendship, and collaboration. This is because tourism is continuing to develop in Malaysia (Ngeow, 2019). The socio-cultural linkages that exist between Malaysia and China have been greatly enhanced via a variety of outlets, including education and tourism.…”

Section: Symbolic Of the Enhanced Economic Links And Mutual Collabora...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The talks during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Kuala Lumpur in October 2013 highlighted the shared dedication to enhancing bilateral trade relationships. The discussions led to the creation of a fiveyear strategy (2013-2017) aimed at promoting economic cooperation and investment(Ngeow, 2019). Financial discrepancies and anomalies in contract awarding generated concerns about the extensive involvement of Chinese corporations in large-scale projects in Malaysia.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Identity Dynamics and Diplomatic Narratives: Malaysian Chinese Perspectives

Gen,

Idris,

Abubakar

et al. 2024

RGSA

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Objectives: This research provides a comprehensive analysis of Malaysia-China relations during Najib Razak's administration, examining the political, economic, and socio-cultural dimensions of bilateral cooperation. Under Najib's leadership, Malaysia pursued a multifaceted approach to strengthening ties with China, characterized by frequent high-level visits, extensive economic engagements, and collaborative initiatives. The study explores political cooperation, focusing on efforts to address maritime security and territorial disputes in the South China Sea through dialogue and bilateral channels. Economically, it examines the significant growth in Malaysia-China relations, increased trade volumes, Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, and collaborative investment projects. Socio-culturally, the research looks at educational exchanges, tourism cooperation, and initiatives like the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program, which facilitated closer ties and mutual understanding between the two nations. The study concludes with policy implications for policymakers and researchers, emphasizing the need to address trade imbalances, prioritize dialogue and cooperation in addressing regional challenges, and expand bilateral cooperation beyond traditional sectors to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Methods: The research methodology employed in this study involves a qualitative analysis of secondary data sources. Data from reputable sources such as government reports, academic publications, and international organizations' databases were collected and analyzed to provide a comprehensive overview of Malaysia-China relations during Najib Razak's administration. This qualitative approach allowed for an in-depth examination of the political, economic, and socio-cultural dynamics shaping bilateral cooperation, offering valuable insights into the complexities of Malaysia-China relations. Through rigorous analysis and interpretation of the available data, the study provides a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing perceptions of diplomatic engagements between the two countries, contributing to the scholarly discourse on international relations and bilateral cooperation. Results: The study found that during Najib Razak's administration, Malaysia-China relations experienced significant growth and development across various dimensions. Politically, both nations engaged in constructive dialogue to manage maritime security and territorial disputes in the South China Sea, emphasizing bilateral channels to address these issues. Economically, the relations flourished with a marked increase in trade volumes, substantial Chinese FDI inflows, and numerous collaborative investment projects. However, the study also highlighted challenges such as trade imbalances and the need for greater transparency in mega projects, which necessitate policy adjustments for sustainable economic cooperation. Socio-culturally, the research indicated strong bilateral ties fostered through educational exchanges, tourism cooperation, and initiatives like the MM2H Program, which enhanced mutual understanding and appreciation between the Malaysian and Chinese populations. Conclusion: The research concludes that Malaysia-China relations during Najib Razak's administration were characterized by multifaceted cooperation and significant achievements in political, economic, and socio-cultural dimensions. To ensure a resilient and dynamic partnership that promotes mutual prosperity and development, the study emphasizes the importance of addressing trade imbalances, prioritizing dialogue and cooperation in addressing regional challenges, and expanding bilateral cooperation beyond traditional sectors to capitalize on emerging opportunities. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and researchers, contributing to a deeper understanding of Malaysia-China relations and offering a basis for future strategies to enhance bilateral cooperation.

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Section: Symbolic Of the Enhanced Economic Links And Mutual Collabora...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Symbolic Of the Enhanced Economic Links And Mutual Collabora...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Symbolic Of the Enhanced Economic Links And Mutual Collabora...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Symbolic Of the Enhanced Economic Links And Mutual Collabora...mentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Identity Dynamics and Diplomatic Narratives: Malaysian Chinese Perspectives

Gen,

Idris,

Abubakar

et al. 2024

RGSA

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Deference and defiance in Malaysia's China policy: determinants of a dualistic diplomacy

Kuik

Lai²

2023

International Journal of Asian Studies

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When do smaller states defer to and when do they defy stronger powers? How and why? This article traces and explains the changing patterns of deference and defiance in Malaysia's China policy. There are three findings. First, deference and defiance are essential elements in all inter-state relations, especially asymmetric ones. The greater the power asymmetry, the greater the inclination to defer and defy. Second, states often pursue defiance and deference concurrently and selectively, with approaches adapted in accordance with changing external and internal conditions. The concurrent adoption of the two behaviors often manifest in hedging, an insurance-seeking policy aimed at offsetting multiple risks by counteracting the effects of the other behavior: deference without defiance risks subservience and dependency; defiance without deference invites hostility and confrontation. Third, the specific patterns and proportions of the deference–defiance mix are attributable more to domestic than external determinants, i.e., the needs to balance security, prosperity, and autonomy, as necessitated by the prevailing pathways of elite legitimation. This explains why Malaysia's open deference vis-à-vis China has been accompanied by an indirect and quiet defiance especially in recent years, as best evidenced by the second Mahathir administration's dualistic approaches toward the Belt and Road, South China Sea, and Xinjiang.

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ASEAN states’ responses to China-driven regional cooperation initiatives: the BRI and the CSD revisited

Jie,

2023

Asian Journal of Political Science

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Malaysia’s China Policy and the South China Sea Dispute Under the Najib Administration (2009–2018): A Domestic Policy Process Approach

Cited by 5 publications

References 18 publications

Identity Dynamics and Diplomatic Narratives: Malaysian Chinese Perspectives

Identity Dynamics and Diplomatic Narratives: Malaysian Chinese Perspectives

Deference and defiance in Malaysia's China policy: determinants of a dualistic diplomacy

ASEAN states’ responses to China-driven regional cooperation initiatives: the BRI and the CSD revisited

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