To maintain calm in the South China Sea, Beijing is content to resort to the bilateral model

Despite their permanent rivalry on the South China SeaMalaysia and China continue to maintain close ties.

In 2019, the two Asian powers agreed to set up a bilateral consultation mechanism (BCM) specifically dedicated to maritime issues. In October this year, the project was finally launched.

Details of the consultation were scant – both sides simply said they would improve practical cooperation.

But this bilateral method appears to be Beijing’s preferred approach to managing disputes in the South China Sea. And while this strategy has had both victories and failures, maritime experts say the very existence of a mechanism plays a crucial role in preventive diplomacy that both manages tensions and fosters consensus.

One of the main reasons Beijing uses this approach is to stop interference from other countries that could complicate or worsen problems, according to Luo Liang, an assistant researcher at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies. .

He said that although China and Malaysia Maintaining close ties, unresolved maritime disputes in the South China Sea persisted, highlighting the need for preventive measures to manage potential conflicts.

“When relations between China and Malaysia are strong, the two countries can advance pragmatic cooperation and improve communications,” Luo said.