security framework and as a negotiating tool to meet its demands and aspirations. It is unlikely that North Korea will end its nuclear programme. Instead the issue will be continuously exploited to North Korea’s benefit. South Asia India has a long term aspiration to play a wider role in the Asia Pacific. It has the economic and technological potential to develop its military strength to also encompass Southeast Asia. India’s nuclear arms race with Pakistan has far reaching implications beyond the Indian sub-continent. Because India and Pakistan possessed nuclear power capability, any conflict between the two could threaten peace and security in the region. Recent positive developments in bilateral relations between the two countries indicate an emphasis towards maintaining regional peace and stability. It is crucial for both countries to comply with the NPT and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty 1996 (CTBT). The end of the ethnic strife in Sri Lanka would herald a new period of peace and the end of ethnic tension in South Asia. Southeast Asia Overlapping claims of the Spratly Islands is an issue that still requires attention. Brunei Darussalam, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan claim all of parts of the Spratly Islands. The area is of strategic importance as a vital commercial sea lane and is reportedly rich in economically important minerals and other marine resources. A breakout of conflict in the South China Sea could result in interventions by the major external powers because of its importance to regional security and maritime trade. A resolution to the overlapping claims in the foreseeable future may be difficult as the dispute involves questions of national sovereignty. The Declaration on the MALAYSIA’S NATIONAL DEFENCE POLICY Page 7