Beijing can take advantage of the doubt arising from Washington to attract Southeast Asia by demonstrating "geopolitical generosity" on sensitive matters including the South China Sea , according to a Malaysian international affairs expert.
Mohd Faiz Abdullah, who serves as the chairman of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia—a think tank that provides advice to the Malaysian government—also mentioned that should Southeast Asia face "damaging" trade policies from the United States, the region might be compelled to rely more heavily on China.
Following his comeback to the White House, the US President has taken several significant actions. Donald Trump These policies, which include tariffs, have introduced considerable ambiguity and appear to be disrupting the rule-based international order. In contrast, China has aimed to position itself as a stabilizing influence and a reliable major player on the world stage.
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Mohd Faiz states that under the Trump administration, there was a move away from multipolarity, which he believes presented an ideal opportunity for Beijing to strengthen relationships with nations within its region.
“If you ask me, now is the moment when China needs to truly step up its efforts and show more restraint while being more considerate regarding geopolitical issues—such as those concerning the South China Sea,” he stated during an interview on Wednesday at the margins of the event. Boao Forum for Asia in China's Hainan province.
"China must be seen to be much more accommodating to Asean states and it must, in fact, go beyond geoeconomic strategies," he said, referring to the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) That could truly gain supporters who might still be undecided.
China has solidified its role as the leading trade ally for the area; however, it has ongoing disagreements with multiple nations—most notably with the Philippines—over conflicting territorial assertions in the South China Sea. Beijing asserts nearly full sovereignty over this vital maritime zone.
Mohd Faiz, who is also the founding dean of the Selangor Business School, stated that this moment calls for China to embrace inclusivity and focus on giving rather than taking. He further emphasized that Beijing needs to acknowledge the strategic significance of ASEAN.
"China might seize the opportunity when conditions are favorable... Trump is essentially providing them with a great chance here," he stated.
Trump's unconventional take on foreign policy, including his views on alliances, has contributed to a nervousness in Southeast Asia over how his administration will approach the region. It has also raised the question of whether, in the case of an intensified US-China competition, Trump would put pressure on countries that have closer ties with Beijing.
Many nations across Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia, maintain strong connections with both Washington and Beijing, and they have explicitly stated their desire not to be compelled into picking sides within this great power contest.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Since assuming office in 2022, he has traveled to China thrice, and the trade between the two nations reached an all-time high last year, indicating their relationship was at its peak, as stated by Mohd Faiz.
Malaysia also maintains strong economic connections with Washington, and he emphasized that "there’s no cause for us to move away from the US, nor is there any need to feel apologetic about strengthening our relationship with China."
If the Trump administration pressures Malaysia to choose between countries, like by cutting back on trade with China, Mohd Faiz indicated that it would depend on what compromises the United States was prepared to offer. However, he also noted that this kind of deal would have its limits.
"We must not appear to be making extraordinary efforts merely to follow America’s lead. This approach will be viewed as strictly practical and driven by the necessity of economic survival," he stated.
Although Malaysia hasn't experienced similar pressures from Trump so far, Mohd Faiz noted that the "threat of tariffs looms," adding that this issue has been addressed by key departments within the Malaysian administration.
He emphasized that the 10-member ASEAN should collectively present a united front amid uncertainties stemming from Washington’s actions. He cautioned that “if pushed too far and forced into a tight spot by the United States, we might be compelled to rely more heavily on China” — although he didn’t foresee this situation developing rapidly.
"The apprehension felt towards Malaysia and ASEAN will likely mirror the unease experienced globally regarding the Trump administration — the anxiety caused by this uncertainty," he stated.
Here, you're dealing with a scenario where everything isn’t clearly defined, including the type of foreign policy Trump advocates for.
As Malaysia assumes the role of ASEAN chair this year, Mohd Faiz mentioned that the increased tensions in the South China Sea will be a key focus. He stated that Malaysia aims to “make progress” toward reaching a “collective understanding” on the issue. code of conduct for the waterway.
Although officials have committed to finalizing the code of conduct negotiations by 2026, advancements have been sluggish. Analysts point out that disagreements among the involved parties—including whether the document should carry legal weight—are contributing factors to this delay.
Mohd Faiz stated that expecting negotiations to conclude by the end of this year would be overly simplistic due to their multifaceted nature. However, he added that demonstrating steady advancement would indicate a genuine commitment towards resolving the matter.
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
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