Key facts
- Malaysia's non-aligned strategy in the South China Sea may be tested by US-China rivalry.
- Sabah, a Malaysian state, is located near a potential flashpoint involving Philippine territory.
- Malaysian Defense Minister Khaled Nordin expressed concern about potential conflict spillover.
- Malaysia is considering strengthening its defense capabilities.
Malaysia's long-standing strategy of non-alignment amid US-China rivalry in the South China Sea could soon be tested, with the eastern state of Sabah sitting near a potential flashpoint involving Philippine territory. Observers pointed to comments by Malaysian Defence Minister Khaled Nordin, who last week voiced concern that a conflict or “unexpected incident” in the maritime region could spill over into Malaysia. Khaled, who singled out Sabah, added that Malaysia was looking to strengthen its defense capabilities.