Malaysia Urges Major Powers to Uphold Global Stability Consistently
Quick Look
- Malaysia's Defence Minister Khaled Nordin urged major powers, including the US and China, to uphold global stability and international law consistently, not selectively, at a conference in Kuala Lumpur.
- US PACOM officials also pledged to maintain a regional presence to deter aggression.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Malaysia's Defence Minister addressed the 37th International Military Law and Operations Conference, emphasizing the responsibility of major powers in maintaining global stability.
Defence Minister Khaled Nordin delivered the message on Monday at the 37th International Military Law and Operations Conference in Kuala Lumpur, where he said major powers had a special responsibility to uphold global stability without bending the rules to suit their interests.
“Malaysia sees you as the custodians of global peace and stability,” he said. “But we expect you to do so while respecting international laws and rules-based orders – consistently, not selectively.”
Analysts said the remarks were aimed broadly at major powers, including the United States and China, as Southeast Asian states sought stronger deterrence against coercion while trying to preserve their strategic autonomy.
Officials from the US Pacific Command (PACOM) also pledged at the conference to maintain a regional presence to deter aggression.
Open Questions
- How will major powers respond to Malaysia's message?
- What specific instances of selective rule-bending are implied?
