Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship offers new vistas of cooperation with India

The Indo-Pacific is fast emerging as a focal point of global geopolitics and economic activity, presenting Malaysia with a strategic opportunity as it assumes the Asean chairmanship in 2025. Situated at the intersection of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Malaysia is uniquely positioned to influence order building in the region. Whether it is the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, or Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Asean Chapter, Malaysia has always contributed substantially in building a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous regional order.

Malaysia’s strategic priorities stem from its geographical significance for regional trade and security, particularly its stakes over the vital Strait of Malacca. Given the intensifying US-China rivalry and its polarising effects, Malaysia remains committed to Asean centrality, ensuring that the bloc retains its influence in shaping the Indo-Pacific’s trajectory. However, this requires a careful diplomatic balance, maintaining robust relations with the two superpowers as well as its other significant dialogue partners that belong to the league of rising and middle powers, while safeguarding Asean’s unity and autonomy.

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