Japan, Malaysia Deepen Maritime Defense and Energy Ties as China Claims and Iran War Raise Risks

3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 10

Tokyo talks between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim produced an agreement to expand cooperation on defense and energy supplies.
Maritime security was the clearest new focus, with Takaichi saying both sides shared a common understanding of its importance, particularly at sea.
China’s maritime claims helped drive the alignment, giving the defense element sharper urgency for both governments.
The Iran war also shaped the deal by raising concern over economic disruption and energy supply security beyond the South China Sea.

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