First established by the country’s second prime minister, Malaysia was among the first to establish diplomatic ties with the Communist regime. That Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is on his third official visit to China then is hardly surprising. Furthermore, China is Malaysia’s largest trading partner, a very important factor given the uncertainties of the global economy. This last bodes well for Asean’s security as China makes good on its promise of resolution through bilateral discussions. If the rumoured south Thailand Kra Isthmus canal is realised, strengthening Malaysia’s relations with China then becomes imperative as the Straits of Malacca loses its strategic importance vis-à-vis China.

Source: New Strait Times November 01, 2016 03:18 UTC