Here are the effects of the war between Russia and Ukraine on Malaysia, and the reasons why we should care.
After months of growing tensions over two contested districts on Ukraine’s borders, Donetsk and Luhansk, Russia began a full-scale military incursion into the country on Thursday.
The United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have all issued sanctions against Russia, but Malaysia, like many other smaller countries, has yet to do so.
Malay Mail spoke to a number of specialists in international relations, economics, defence, and intelligence to learn more about how this battle, which is taking place over 7,000 kilometres away from Kuala Lumpur, could effect Malaysians and why we should be concerned.
Keeping a low profile on Ukraine and its implications for South China Sea sovereignty
According to expert Shahriman Lockman of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, the distant turmoil in Eastern Europe could lead to geopolitical challenges in Southeast Asia.
Irredentism is a political strategy based on historical, ethnic, or national claims to a territory. China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam are all involved in continuing territorial conflicts in the South China Sea. According to Shahriman Lockman, the Russia-Ukraine conflict may expose us to additional “mischief,” as the US and other international powers may be diverted from the Asia-Pacific area.
