Explainer |

South China Sea: why Malaysia and Indonesia differ in countering Beijing’s maritime claims

• While Kuala Lumpur has taken a robust approach, continuing to develop the Kasawari gas field and even scrambling jets, Indonesia’s approach appears to be more cautious
• Some experts say it’s related to Chinese investment and Covid-19 aid; some say it’s about rejecting ‘megaphone diplomacy’; while others wonder if Indonesia has a set policy at all