Strait safety gets a boost

Strait safety gets a boost

The Strait of Malacca's littoral states have taken a big step forward in aligning the interests of the waterway's users more closely with their own primary concerns of security and protection from oil spills. Until the balance is struck right, there is a feeling the three countries could be hampered in securing their own vital interests as navigational safety and the probability of terrorism grow in scope. But the shared responsibility implicit in decisions taken by Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia on Tuesday also places obligations on user states and shipping companies.

In Batam, the three nations' foreign ministers said their governments welcomed international technical support to improve navigational security. But this is not the same as letting outsiders take over the show. In Kuala Lumpur, the respective defense chiefs agreed to start coordinated air surveillance to complement sea patrols. Any outside assistance offered would be placed under their command. As a conduit for cargo and military traffic, the strait's vulnerability to terrorist incursions has grown in concert with China's economic expansion and America's military presence in Asian waters.

These are not the only nations that would be pleased with the steps taken. The merchant fleets of Japan, Taiwan and South Korea will also benefit. Although a link between pirate syndicates and terrorist groups has not been established, it is prudent to assume they will morph into a common threat, either by design or convenience.

Pirates should fear air patrols. But these can only be as effective as the sophistication of the craft and equipment used. Malaysian Defense Minister Najib Razak said he was open to offers of planes and radar systems from governments of user states. This is a significant change from Malaysia's old reluctance to accept foreign help. But user states should be clear on one point: A commitment to reinforce strait security is in accordance with maritime law which recognizes the sovereignty and rights of the littoral states.

For illustration, Malaysia and Indonesia oppose the idea of U.S. forces or other militaries patrolling the strait. They can be a strong deterrent -- but will their presence inflame Muslim radicals in those countries, possibly provoking terrorist attacks? The littoral states would not be interested either in having the waterway turned into a proxy proving ground between the U.S. and China. -- The Straits Times, Singapore