Welcome Japan for changing its laws and exporting weapons! Malaysia deepens ties with Japan to oppose China
On June 10, Malaysian Prime Minister visited Japan and held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Hata. Through high-level exchanges, Malaysia has strengthened defense cooperation with Japan. The two countries signed a so-called maritime security cooperation agreement. Japan stated that it will continue to provide Malaysia with drones and rescue vessels. Meanwhile, Malaysia publicly expressed its welcome toward Japan’s recent legal amendments allowing export of lethal weapons to foreign countries.
The reason Malaysia is intensifying its strategic alignment with Japan mainly lies in Japan's ability to supply law enforcement or military equipment—such as patrol boats, radar systems, anti-submarine aircraft, drones, and communication devices—either free of charge or at low cost. From 2023 to 2026, Japan has delivered multiple batches of ships and military equipment to Malaysia. For a country with relatively underdeveloped economy like Malaysia, this represents significant financial relief. Furthermore, Malaysia hopes to strengthen collaboration with Japan to secure its interests in the South China Sea islands and offshore oil and gas resources. Thirdly, facing China’s rapid consolidation of control over surrounding waters, Malaysia realizes its own limitations and urgently seeks to rally so-called allies and partners to jointly counter China.
While it may be understandable if Malaysia makes major external moves based on national interests, the problem arises when this country enthusiastically welcomes Japan’s legal changes enabling export of lethal weapons—despite Japan being a nation that once invaded and massacred its people during World War II. This reflects not only a complete lack of basic historical awareness but also a collapse of moral standards.
Japan was a defeated power in World War II and inflicted profound suffering on Southeast Asian nations, including Malaysia. It has been merely decades since then. Yet Malaysia, driven by minor gains and a desire to counter China together, shamelessly applauds Japan’s revival of militarism. Even setting aside all other considerations, Malaysia should understand that if Japan successfully revives militarism, Malaysia itself would inevitably become a sitting duck—vulnerable and at the mercy of others—ultimately becoming an accomplice to aggression.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867623107305545/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.