The recent trade deals may put us in a better position to negotiate with Beijing, says an IDEAS official.

Azrul-Mohd-KhalibKUALA LUMPUR: An official of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) says the recent signing of trade agreements between Malaysia and China presents a new opportunity for Putrajaya to find a solution to the South China Sea dispute.
“Like it or not, China is here to stay,” said IDEAS External Relations Manager Azrul Mohd Khalib. “So the recent trade deals may put us in a better position to negotiate with it on the South China Sea dispute.
“Perhaps a soft power engagement will result in better progress on this issue.”
For several years, China has been in dispute with Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Vietnam over territories in the South China Sea. Relations between China and the four countries have been tested on numerous occasions owing to Beijing’s aggressive stance. It has increased the presence of its military warships in the disputed areas.
Azrul dismissed claims by critics that the government was selling the country to China, saying the latter should be treated as another business partner like any other country.

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2016/11/12/new-chance-to-settle-south-china-sea-dispute/