Anwar had reiterated that the regional block would not impose the prices for reprisals on China. However, before Xi's visit, Anwar himself recognized It would be difficult for Anase to maintain its centrality and a balance between the United States and China.
“How (XI's visit) changes the situation is less clear, especially on how negotiations with the United States could work,” said Chong. “In addition, there are still problems pending with China that are not treated.”
These include territorial disputes as well as a potential excess offer of Chinese products in Southeast Asia as trade turns out from the United States, putting pressure on the economies of Southeast Asia and small businesses.
“The extent to which China is able to provide a market for the goods of Southeast Asia, given its low domestic demand and its traditional use of the Southeast Asian components in the manufacture of exports to the United States, as well as Beijing's capacity to provide funding given its own economic winds, it has also been left without dissipation,” he added.
As with Vietnam, Malaysia is faced with a “difficult act” to balance its relations with the United States and China, said Abdul Rahman.
“He has territorial disputes with China, but Beijing is a key trading partner,” he said.
“Malaysia under Anwar has set up a positive optics on China. But on the Defense Front, Malaysians strengthen their capacities in Sabah and Sarawak, facing the Southern China Sea. ”
Abdul Rahman said that it would be interested in seeing how foreign and joint defense of the two countries develops, while this signals China's push to closer defense relations with Malaysia.
“At this stage, it is difficult to assess whether these agreements can affect Malaysia's efforts to negotiate lower prices with the United States, because Trump constantly gives mixed signals on prices,” he added.
