Malaysia PM Worries Over US-Philippine Base Near Sabah

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has voiced concerns regarding a strategically located military outpost in the Philippines that lies just miles from Malaysia's Sabah state. The base, situated on Balabac Island in Palawan province, is being upgraded as part of the US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows U.S. forces access to designated Philippine sites and facilitates infrastructure funding.

Ibrahim highlighted the proximity of the facility, which includes a 3,000-meter runway, to Malaysia's eastern state of Sabah. He noted that while bilateral relations with the Philippines remain strong, the development of this military presence creates a "certain concern" due to the ongoing territorial dispute over Sabah. The Philippines claims sovereignty over the territory, a claim Malaysia firmly rejects, though the dispute has historically strained relations.

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As a neighbor deeply affected by the Sabah sovereignty dispute, although our bilateral relations with the Philippines remain very good, we still feel some concern about this tension.

The Philippines plans to develop Balabac Island into a forward operating base for its air force, significantly enhancing its air defense capabilities in the South China Sea. This move is part of Manila's broader efforts to solidify its interests in the region, where Philippine vessels have frequently encountered Chinese ships. During the recent US-Philippines "Balikatan" joint military exercises, U.S., Philippine, and Australian forces conducted drills simulating the capture of the island's airport, with the U.S. deploying HIMARS rocket systems.

In response to the escalating security environment driven by US-China competition, Ibrahim emphasized Malaysia's need to bolster its own defense infrastructure. He acknowledged that Malaysia cannot match the scale of military and aviation facilities being developed on Balabac Island but stressed that strengthening basic defense capabilities is essential, potentially requiring billions of Malaysian ringgit in additional expenditure.

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At least, our basic defense capabilities must be strengthened.