Why Brunei prefers ‘quiet diplomacy’ over confrontation in South

Brunei and China used a defence meeting in Beijing last week to pledge closer practical cooperation and support for regional stability, a development analysts said fits Bandar Seri Begawan’s low-key handling of South China Sea disputes.

Defence ties kept measured

Brunei’s measured defence ties with Beijing reflect a preference for diplomacy in safer areas rather than confrontation over maritime claims, according to analysts.

As a nation with a small military, Brunei would rather work with Beijing in areas such as peacekeeping than butt heads, analysts said.

They said goals such as peacekeeping offer the safest room for both sides to maintain diplomacy while avoiding sharper friction linked to the South China Sea.

Beijing meeting underscored the approach

Last Tuesday, Brunei Defence Minister Halbi Mohammad Yussof led a delegation to meet Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

The meeting between Bruneian and Chinese defence officials in Beijing underscored that tact, as both nations pledged closer practical cooperation and support for regional stability.

Observers, however, expect the relationship to remain modest because it is constrained by maritime claims and by Bandar Seri Begawan’s preference for a diversified network of security partners.

Source: South China Morning Post