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  • Kalvin@lemmy.kadaikupi.spacetoMalaysia Politics@monyet.cc•Malaysia’s Silent Military Buildup on Borneo
    2·
    17 days ago

    More to the point:-

    • Malaysia is quietly enhancing its military presence in Sabah and Sarawak
    • Aims to counter Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea
    • Maintains economic ties and diplomatic caution despite increased military activity
    • Strengthened air surveillance with advanced radars
    • Expanded naval and air force facilities
    • Deployed units such as the Navy’s Squadron 503 and the Air Force’s No. 3 Squadron
    • Conducts joint exercises with France and Japan to bolster maritime capabilities
    • The strategic buildup is low-profile and reflects Malaysia’s recognition that silent defense is necessary
    • Seeks to safeguard vital interests while avoiding confrontation
  • Kalvin@lemmy.kadaikupi.spacetoMalaysia Politics@monyet.cc•Malaysia’s Silent Military Buildup on Borneo
    2·
    17 days ago
    • Malaysia’s actions suggest a strategic military buildup on Borneo despite perceptions of complacency regarding Chinese threats in the South China Sea.
    • While headlines focus on Malaysia’s perceived alignment with China, the country has quietly adopted a different on-the-ground strategy.
    • Malaysia is strengthening its military presence in the Malaysian Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak, operating beneath the radar.
    • Chinese vessels frequently enter Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), especially near the Luconia Shoals off Sarawak’s coast.
    • Malaysia’s economic dependence on China complicates its response, with bilateral trade reaching over $212 billion in 2024.
    • The government favors strategic hedging: avoiding public confrontation with China while secretly preparing for potential conflict.
    • Malaysia’s military buildup in Sabah and Sarawak reflects the recognition that diplomacy alone is insufficient amid expanding Chinese maritime tactics.
    • The South China Sea holds significant economic value for Malaysia, with oil and gas resources contributing over a fifth of public revenue.
    • The regional military strategy offers geographic depth and proximity to contested waters, facilitating power projection and defense.
    • The Royal Malaysian Air Force enhanced air surveillance in East Malaysia by deploying US-supplied AN/TP77 and French GM400A radars in 2023.
    • These radars enable Malaysia to monitor its EEZ airspace and detect aerial threats from the South China Sea.
    • In 2021, Chinese military aircraft entering Sarawak’s airspace prompted Malaysian fighter scramble responses.
    • New military infrastructure includes a naval command in Sarawak supporting submarine operations and a new air force bare base in Sarawak, with construction starting this year.
    • Malaysia established new military units in Sabah and Sarawak, including navy’s Squadron 503 operating U.S.-supplied ScanEagle UAVs based in Sabah.
    • Sarawak hosts the Malaysian Air Force’s No. 3 Squadron with AW 139 helicopters supporting maritime operations in South China Sea at five atolls.
    • Joint exercises are part of Malaysia’s efforts, including a 2024 sea and air exercise with France off Sabah involving combat aircraft and a frigate.
    • Japan assists Malaysia in enhancing its Coast Guard capabilities through joint exercises and training in maritime intrusions and forensic evidence gathering.
    • In 2023, Malaysia conducted its largest combined military exercise, EX ANGSA, near Sabah and Sarawak with over 2,500 personnel, 20 vessels, submarines, and combat aircraft.
    • Malaysia’s quiet strategic approach demonstrates how a smaller power can resist regional pressure while maintaining stability and sovereignty.
    • These actions serve as a potential model for calm yet firm regional resistance amid rising tensions in the maritime domain.

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