LETTER | We should avoid cold war mentality

LETTER | I was perplexed to read the letter of Colins Chong Yew Keat concerning Malaysia’s relationship with China which seems to encourage confrontation based on speculation on the so-called behaviour of China and advocating a security alliance with the West, instead of promoting peaceful coexistent that would be possible with dialogue.

He seems to come up with a speculative theory on why Malaysia should stand up to China rather than addressing the issue of motives and conflict between China and the United States in regard to the South China Sea, in an objective manner and providing moral solutions related to coexistence.

There is an avocation of distrust and prejudice towards China, and this is certainly not helping in resolving long-term issues affecting the region.

According to the writer, Malaysia does not share other regional players’ strategic wisdom and manoeuvre in opening up for more US security assurances, and this is the area where Beijing is exploiting the most.

He speculates by stating that Beijing uses this as a two-pronged win-win approach. First of all, it would potentially agree to a more accommodative stance and a toned-down approach in dealing with the dispute with Malaysia, which might mean a toned-down presence of Coast Guard vessels.

This is with the hope of buying trust and giving goodwill in trying to secure Malaysia’s commitment and confidence in seeing China as a genuine and historically long-lasting socio-cultural and vital economic partner.

With the larger aim of getting the Malaysian buy-in and ensuring Beijing's moves in the South China Sea will not backfire and push Malaysia further into the West’s orbit, China will likely not squander too much of an opening that will threaten its South China Sea claims.

The writer encourages Malaysia to be strategically aligned with the US which he believes is the protector of a rules base system which is completely ridiculous.

One has to go into facts on how the United States defied international law when it invaded Iraq and continues to support the Zionist regime that defies every international resolution on the Palestinians.

The never-ending wars in the middle east are a consequence of the so-called rule-based system of the West led by the United States.

On the Malaysian side, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim advocates dialogue, and it basically helps in a certain way to build trust while acknowledging that it would not be easy.

There are things that Collin has said right which I agree with. For example, Malaysia needs to stand firm on its interests, rights, and sovereignty on the territorial rights and the rightful owner of the oil and gas assets in the disputed areas, and it is critical to fully galvanise our cards and strategic moves in dealing with this crucial issue.

My main point of disagreement with the writer is his insistent for Malaysia to come under the security of the West which is equivalent to cold war mentality which would certainly not bring China to its knees.

Cold war mentality would only encourage an arms race in the region and against the common good of the people of Asia.

America let security alliance in Asia is not keen on preserving peace in a real sense. It is there to ensure there is no threat to America’s supreme hegemony which China and Russia and independent-minded nations are not in favour of.

Besides, the issue involving the South China Sea would require a collective voice among Asian governments. Malaysia could not negotiate alone where there is an asymmetrical relationship with China.

Asean working on solidarity to protect its sovereign rights within the scope of international law in the South China Sea dispute is a better option.

Malaysia should protect its sovereignty when territorial rights which is non-negotiable but it cannot take sides in a geo-political conflict between China and the United States.

It can’t act on speculation, but on the real motives and behaviours of the superpowers whether it is the United States or China.

The country cannot be a pawn to any superpowers, and Anwar has made it clear. It is hoped that it would be translated into action.

Malaysia should contribute to the common good of the region and not align itself with any superpowers based on speculation and propaganda.

In this regard, the writer basically contributes to a cold war mentality.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.