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Malaysia warns US-China rivalry raises risk of military miscalculation near Sabah

Malaysia’s defense minister cited the tighter regional space where more military assets operate, saying escalation near Sabah could affect security in the South China Sea.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Trade & Tariffs

Malaysia’s defense minister has warned that US-China rivalry is increasing the risk of miscalculation near Sabah as more military activities take place in waters around Borneo, a concern he said is tied to Malaysia’s push for higher defense spending.

In remarks published by SCMP Economy, Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Putrajaya does not view the Philippines, the United States, China, or any other country as a specific threat. He argued that a more complex security environment has emerged as military assets operate within a relatively confined geographic area, raising the chance that a misunderstanding or small incident could escalate.

Khaled also said geographic proximity matters for Malaysia, adding that even incidents not directly involving Malaysia could have wider implications for security and stability in the South China Sea. He pointed to growing unease linked to an expanding US-Philippine military presence just north of Sabah.

The outlet said his comments offer the clearest explanation from Malaysia’s defense establishment for the rationale behind Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s push for higher military spending after Anwar publicly singled out the expanding US-Philippine military presence on Balabac Island, just north of Sabah.

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