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