11-Jan-2017: Chinese submarine has docked at a port in Malaysia

A Chinese submarine has docked at the port of Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia for the first time, indicating the deepening military ties between the two countries.

Significance:

1. Analysts say docking of Chinese submarine signals the emergence of special ties between Beijing and Kuala Lumpur.
2. Submarine port visits can only happen when mutual trust between two navies has reached new heights, as submarine operations are very secretive and sensitive.
3. The move is being seen as a trigger for elevated tensions in the South China Sea (SCS). The Malaysian port has a naval base facing the SCS.

China-Malaysia economic cooperation:

1. Malaysia is an enthusiastic partner in the development of the China-led Maritime Silk Road (MSR).
2. The two countries have already established the China-Malaysia port cooperation alliance, comprising 11 Chinese and six Malaysian ports.
3. The Strait of Malacca maritime industrial park is also being set up.
4. The Malacca industrial park is part of the giant Malacca Gateway Project that China and Malaysia signed last year. It also includes the establishment of the strategically vital deep water port in the Strait of Malacca in Malaysia.