In recent weeks, pressure to build a new naval base in Sarawak has intensified in response to growing pressure from China in the resource-rich area near Kalimantan. The proposed base in Bintulu is expected to bolster Malaysia's defenses in the South China Sea.

However, analysts disagree, predicting that Malaysia will remain cautious to avoid escalating tensions and will not respond aggressively to Chinese incursions, given the importance of maintaining good economic relations with Beijing.

Malaysia's New Naval Base in Sarawak

The geographic location of the naval base in Bintulu, Sarawak, just 80 nautical miles from Beting Patinggi Ali - an area that is administratively part of Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) but is also claimed by China - makes this base a strategic point for responding to maritime dynamics in the South China Sea.

Naval Region 4 Headquarters in Bintulu will be Malaysia's sixth major base, joining three existing bases on the peninsula and two in Sabah. Currently, the Malaysian Navy operates from Sepanggar, Sabah, which is more than 215 nautical miles (398 km) from Beting Patinggi Ali.

The Bintulu base, announced in November, was chosen for its proximity to Beting Patinggi Ali and the Kasawari gas field. With this new base, the Navy will be able to deploy ships for surveillance in the South China Sea EEZ more quickly. The 200-hectare base in Samalaju, Bintulu, will house three new littoral mission ships and is expected to be operational by 2030.

China's Coast Guard in Malaysia's EEZ

China's historic claim to the South China Sea, represented by the nine-dash line, has sparked complex territorial disputes with neighboring countries. Beting Patinggi Ali, one of the areas claimed by China, has become a hotspot in the geopolitical dynamics of the region. The consistent presence of Chinese Coast Guard vessels in Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) demonstrates efforts to assert sovereignty claims and control natural resources in the area.

According to CNA, a recent report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) revealed that Chinese coast guard vessels have become a common sight in Malaysia's EEZ throughout 2024. AMTI data shows that from the beginning of the year to the end of September, at least one Chinese Coast Guard vessel patrolled the area almost every day. These vessels stayed in the area for up to six weeks before being replaced by another vessel.

In addition, a Philippine media outlet reported on August 29 that the Philippines had sent a diplomatic note to the Malaysian embassy in Beijing in February. In the note, China demanded that Malaysia cease all activities in the resource-rich region.

In response to the release, the Malaysian government reiterated its commitment to upholding the country's sovereignty over its waters. However, Malaysia also expressed concern about the leak of the diplomatic note.

Observers suggest that Malaysia must tread carefully in this situation. A unilateral escalation could provoke a more aggressive response from China, given the significant superiority of China's naval fleet.