Prime Minister Najib Razak is in China on a six-day visit. This comes after the visit of Philippine president, Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte’s turn away from the US and pivot towards China was characterised by a kind of colourful aplomb that we’ve come to expect from the Filipino leader.

By contrast, Najib has not engaged in such grandstanding, but analysts are reading a similar narrative in his visit. A “wobbly domino” is one expression that’s been used, while others frame the Malaysian position as a balanced approach considering the new realities.

To help us unpack the many issues unfolding is Prashanth Parameswaran, associate editor for the current affairs magazine, The Diplomat.

This is a report by Sharaad Kuttan, Jason Lim, Emir Zainul, and Wan Irdina. 

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Tags:  China,  philippines,  Duterte,  bilateral relations,  trade relations,  South China Sea,  United States