Why Brunei prefers ‘quiet diplomacy’ over confrontation in South China Sea
As a nation with a small military, Brunei would rather work with Beijing in safe zones such as peacekeeping than butt heads, analysts say
A meeting between Bruneian and Chinese defence officials in Beijing last week, when both nations pledged closer practical cooperation and support for regional stability, underscored that tact.
But observers also expect ties to remain modest, constrained by maritime claims and Bandar Seri Begawan’s preference for a diversified network of security partners.
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.
