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The Beting Serupai Incident; PLA-N's naval exercise near Malaysia's territorial waters
Topic Started: May 8 2013, 04:43 PM (808 Views)
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8 May 2013
By Siew Mun Tang for Pacific Forum CSIS

The People's Liberation Army Navy recently undertook 'patrol and training missions' within territorial waters claimed by Malaysia. Tang Siew Mun considers this an error of strategic judgment on Beijing’s part. Kuala Lumpur has always advocated a more reasoned and diplomatic approach to problems in the South China Sea.


Led by the guided missile destroyer, the Lanzhou, a four-ship flotilla of the People's Liberation Army's Navy (PLAN) set sail for the South China Sea (SCS) last month. It would not be the first nor the last time that China puts on a display of its burgeoning military might in the disputed and politically turbulent waters of the SCS.

On March 26, the PLAN ships sailed into the waters of Beting Serupai, which is located 80km from Malaysian shores. The intrusion into the maritime area which is also known as James Shoal was widely reported from Beijing to Washington. Critics bemoaned China's gunboat diplomacy as yet another affirmation of Beijing's assertiveness.

The PLAN's "patrol and training missions" in the vicinity of Beting Serupai may prove too close for Malaysia's comfort. While it is the prerogative and right of China to conduct naval and maritime activities in international waters within the provisions of international law, its increased activities in the area claimed by Malaysia is worrisome and will only serve to heighten tensions in the SCS.
Showing up Malaysia is a strategic mistake as Kuala Lumpur has been one of the most moderate voices in counseling for reason and diplomacy when others pushed for a hard balancing approach. This episode will strengthen the "realist" camp in Malaysian policy circles that has long advocated a more cautious line toward China in SCS disputes.

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