ABSTRACT
The bilateral relations between Malaysia and China have experienced both tensions and opportunities in recent years, particularly shaped by disputes in the South China Sea (SCS). Despite these challenges, this study highlights a renewed phase of collaboration centred on the framework of shared security. Shared security is an emerging paradigm in international relations, emphasising cooperation on nontraditional security (NTS) issues that transcend traditional geopolitical rivalries. This framework offers a novel lens for analysing how states with conflicting interests can foster diplomatic understanding through common security objectives. This article examines three critical NTS issues that bind Malaysia and China: counterterrorism, environmental protection, and maritime piracy. By analysing these areas through the principles of shared interests and shared power, the study demonstrates how shared security can pave the way for constructive engagement and mutual trust. The findings argue that this approach not only transforms traditional notions of bilateral relations but also establishes a robust foundation for sustainable peace and regional stability. The case study of Malaysia-China relations provides empirical evidence supporting the theoretical innovation of shared security, illustrating its potential as a pragmatic tool for reconciling conflicts and advancing global security discourse.
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