Malaysia Sticks to Neutrality in US‑China Cyber Rivalry

Malaysia's Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin reaffirmed the country's commitment to remain neutral in cyberspace, citing that cyber threats arise from non‑state actors rather than geopolitical alignments. However, analysts warn that Malaysia's heavy dependence on both American and Chinese technology could undermine this stance amid the escalating US‑China tech rivalry. The nation’s long‑standing non‑alignment policy, traditionally applied to foreign affairs, now faces challenges as global power competition extends into cyberspace. While Malaysia seeks to avoid taking sides, its dual reliance on competing tech ecosystems may force it to navigate a complex security landscape, potentially compromising its neutrality.