Chapter 2: Regional Strategic Perspectives The 21st Century is seeing more countries paying attention to asymmetrical threats as a new dimension in strategic defence. Traditional security issues will continue into the new century but threats such as terrorism and transboundary crime has also attracted attention and is given focus as parts of the national strategic perspective. As such Malaysia’s and the region’s security environment is shaped and determined by traditional and non-traditional security interests. Traditional Security Factors Role of External Powers Developments in the Asia Pacific region will continue to be influenced by relations between the United States of America (US), China and Japan. Malaysia acknowledges that the US will remain the predominant power and plays an important role in shaping the regional strategic environment. In accordance with this current Malaysia-US defence cooperation provides the support needed for confidence building and for ensuring that Malaysia’s national defence and economic interests. It should be noted that Southeast Asia has become more important to the US after he 11 September 2001 attack. This is evident in the US signing the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia 1976 (TAC) in 2009. The US is also expected to strengthen its presence through bilateral defence agreements with Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Australia and Singapore whilst strengthening defence networking with other countries in the region. China acknowledges its economic and political importance in Southeast Asia. China does not see ASEAN as a threat but needs as a stabilizing factor to the regional environment even as China emerges as an economic and military MALAYSIA’S NATIONAL DEFENCE POLICY Page 5