Striving Towards Closer M’sia-China Military Ties
"Keeping Your Friends Close, But Your Enemies Closer"
It seems that history has been repeated again these days with Malaysia, after having been able to dodge the frenzy of War On Terror’s “Either With Us or Against Us” policy which puts the country under immense pressure to remain to be seen by the super power as a moderate and neutral Muslim majority country.
This was further aggravated through rise of China since the last decade which had sparked the resurgence of tensions between countries (including Malaysia) over disputed maritime territories in the South China Sea. Malaysia has again been sandwiched between the reemergence of China as the rising super power in the Pacific and the United State’s “Pivot In the Pacific” check and balance policy. As similar as the past decade, Malaysia has been put again under the crucial and tough decision of choosing sides.
Neutrality and moderation have long dictated Malaysia’s foreign policies which have also successfully guarantees the peace and prosperity as well as sovereignty of this country. It’s a matter of “Keeping Your Friends Close, But Your Enemies Closer”. Instead of straining necks with these two giants, why not try to deepen and strengthen diplomatic ties and channels with the two.
As can be seen through the US-Malaysian bi-lateral relationship, it seems that ever since the Obama taking charge of the office from the previous “Cowboy style, Mano-el-Mano” Bush Administration, the relationship between the two has improved significantly.
Yet, in order for not to be seen as a country eager to be too close with the US, Malaysia has strive to also maintained close relationship with China. The relationship between the two has been at its highest level ever since the late Prime Minister Tun Razak made his inaugural visit to China in the 1970′s, yet there’s still a lot to be done before this relationship could mature to a level similar to those enjoyed by this country with the United States.
Despite strong economic ties, military relationship between China and Malaysia is still limited. Aside from military visits by the two countries top officials as well as very limited procurement of weapon system (the FN-6 MANPADS), the two countries has not had ever conducted joint, bi-lateral military exercises like what Malaysia has done with other regional and international partners.
Furthermore, Malaysia’s defence equipment procurement has long being sourced from countries such as the United States, Europe (both Western and Eastern), South Korea as well as ASEAN region. But never from China though the FN-6 could be considered as an exception.
The recent signing of MoU in China pertaining the LY-80 medium range SAM system could be seen as the new beginning of a more serious defence equipment procurement between the two country. But this could only be materialised only if the Government decided to proceed with the procurement of the LY-80 SAMs.
China has put into card a hard to resist offer in the means of technological transfer to Malaysia. Having able to license assemble or license produce SAM systems (of whatever categories) could contribute to strategic self-reliance in the country’s defence. Nevertheless, combat reliability and operational experience still cast the doubt on Chinese-made weapon’s capabilities. A typical stigma of Chinese-made product of all types and categories.
Over the past years, China shipbuilder has long offered the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) its Type 071 LPD to fill in the Multi Role Ship (MRS) requirement. Afterall, the Type 071 LPD is not a stranger in this part of the world, having had involved in territorial disputes with Malaysia in the James Shoal as well as working side-by-side together during the SAROPS for the missing Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH 370.
Recently, Prime Minister Najib, during his visit to China has also echoes the same about having closer military ties. Nevertheless, should both countries strive towards the same goal, perhaps the FN-6, LY-80 and Type 071 LPD could be the best medium to promote such close relationships. It’s hard to think of having Chinese made jets, tanks or combat vessels in the Malaysian service but procuring SAMs and sealift ships might be seen as the logical way, at least to appease each other diplomatically.

Local production of FN-6 could benefit not only the industry (SMEO) but also non GAPU air defence units such as the RMN PPU and the RMAF Regiment

It’s about time GAPU being empower with SAM systems such as the LY-80

There’s no harm to procure Type 071 LPD. Perhaps it would be better than having second-hand, vintage Austin-class LPD
Cont reading at malaysiaflyingherald
http://malaysiaflyingherald.wordpress.com/...-military-ties/