Pulau Layang-Layang in Malaysia’s South China Sea policy: Sovereignty meets geopolitical reality amid China–U.S. rivalry

Lai yew meng and Kuik Cheng-Chwee and Amy Azuan Abdullah (2021) Pulau Layang-Layang in Malaysia’s South China Sea policy: Sovereignty meets geopolitical reality amid China–U.S. rivalry. International Journal of China Studies, 12 (2). pp. 189-222. ISSN 2180-3250

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Abstract

Pulau Layang-Layang (Swallow Reef) is central to Malaysia’s South China Sea policy. First, the “island” is the first of five features in the South China Sea occupied by Malaysia. Second, since 1983, by exercising exclusive and effective control over Layang Layang, Malaysia has displayed its sovereignty and jurisdiction over the area. Third, with a Malaysian naval station and airstrip, Layang-Layang is Malaysia’s most valuable strategic asset in the South China Sea. Drawing on archival materials and open sources, this paper traces Malaysia’s policy actions vis-à-vis Pulau Layang-Layang, before unpacking the features and factors underpinning the smaller state’s multi- pronged approaches towards the South China Sea disputes. We argue that Malaysia’s policies regarding Pulau Layang-Layang and the broader South China Sea issue have been and will continue to be driven by small-state pragmatism to balance national sovereignty and geopolitical reality amid the growing U.S.–China rivalry.

Item Type: Article
Keyword: Malaysia, South China Sea, Pulau Layang-Layang, sovereignty, China
Subjects: J Political Science > JC Political theory > JC11-605 Political theory. The state. Theories of the state > JC327 Sovereignty
J Political Science > JZ International relations > JZ5-6530 International relations > JZ5511.2-6300 Promotion of peace. Peaceful change > JZ5587-6009 International security. Disarmament. Global survival
Department: CENTRE > Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning
Depositing User: JUNAINE JASNI -
Date Deposited: 11 Aug 2025 11:06
Last Modified: 22 Aug 2025 10:14
URI: https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/44725

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