Key facts
- Malaysia is unlikely to meet the US call for Asian partners to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence.
- Analysts cite Malaysia's status as a developing economy as a reason for not meeting the spending target.
- Malaysia aims to modernize its military without overwhelming public finances.
- There are concerns about appearing to align with Washington's China strategy.
- Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated Malaysia faces limits as a developing economy.
The US has urged its Asian allies to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP to counter China's military buildup. This call has met with varied responses, with some nations like Malaysia expressing reservations due to their economic status and strategic considerations regarding China.