Reception for Two Chinese Naval Warships in Penang ‘Out of the Ordinary’

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The recent warm reception by the Penang state government for the sailors and cadets of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels was described as unusual, said former Malaysian Deputy Defence Minister, Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz.

According to him, the joint “port-call” by two large ships from PLAN Task Group 83 in Penang was unnecessary from a logistical standpoint, considering that China has established several illegal naval base in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, which are capable of supporting the logistical needs or replenishment of these two vessels.

“There is no logistical need for them to conduct this ‘port-call’ in Penang, especially when considering the readiness of PLAN’s illegal ports in the Spratly Islands that can accommodate their logistical requirements,” he said.

“The extraordinary reception by the Penang state government for the PLAN sailors and cadets, who rarely make port calls at civilian harbors in Malaysia, is particularly odd given that this port call by Task Group 83 is not tied to any exercises with the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) or the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).”

Ikmal further explained that although foreign naval port calls are common in Malaysia, the activities of the PLAN ships “Qi Jiguang” and “Jinggang Shan” were exceptional.

“I believe the Penang state government should clarify to Malaysians the rationale behind the extraordinary reception given to the PLAN sailors and cadets.

I also question the choice of Penang Port as their stopover point, as other ports in Malaysia, such as Port Klang or Langkawi Port, might have been more appropriate,” added Ikmal, who is also a Member of Parliament for Tanah Merah.

He added that the Penang state government’s lavish welcome sends the wrong message to Malaysians and is insensitive to the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

“This is particularly concerning when PLAN vessels, supported by China’s coast guard, are constantly present around the Luconia Shoals (Beting Patinggi Ali) in an effort to assert the region as part of their maritime territory,” he noted.

Earlier, media reports highlighted the Penang state government’s extraordinary welcome for PLAN sailors and cadets during their port call at Swettenham Pier in George Town, Penang.

It was reported that the Speaker of the Penang State Assembly, Law Choo Kiang, hosted a courtesy visit from the commanders of both ships, while the PLAN sailors and cadets visited the private Chung Ling High School.

Former Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah criticized the grand reception for the two PLAN ships as “illogical,” especially when China’s maritime assets have encroached upon Malaysian waters near Sabah and Sarawak.

Saifuddin, who is also the Chairman of the Bersatu International Bureau, urged the government to be more cautious in handling such events to avoid public outrage.

“Why roll out the red carpet for Chinese naval vessels? Was the Foreign Ministry consulted? Was this a decision made by the Defence Ministry? Why were they given such a warm reception, and why were they allowed to visit a school? Why was that particular school chosen?” Saifuddin questioned in a statement on Facebook on Wednesday.

“The government needs to be more sensitive to public sentiment, especially when we are frequently informed about Chinese encroachments into our waters near Sabah and Sarawak, including protests received by Petronas over its operations at Kasawari.”

Meanwhile, Malaysian Communication Minister and Government Spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil stated that there is no issue of national sovereignty being threatened following the docking of the two PLAN vessels in Penang.

He clarified that warships from various countries, including Australia, the United States, China, India, and others, regularly dock at Malaysian ports, all in accordance with protocols managed by Wisma Putra and under the knowledge of the Defence Ministry.

“From time to time, warships from Australia, the US, China, and even India make port calls in Malaysia, often en route to other destinations.

“During these stopovers, foreign embassies or diplomatic representatives typically engage in several activities aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries,” he said. — DSA