{
  "id": 9955225,
  "title": "Govt to bolster defence over risk of ‘major power’ clash in South China Sea",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/govt-to-bolster-defence-over-risk-of-major-power-clash-in-south-china-9955225",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-26T09:24:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/09/26/govt-to-bolster-defence-over-risk-of-major-power-clash-in-south-china-sea"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia is considering bolstering its national defence, particularly in Sabah, amid concerns over a potential conflict or unexpected incident in the South China Sea. Defence Minister Khaled Nordin stated that the primary worry is that such an event in the maritime region could affect Malaysia, especially Sabah. He explained that while neighboring countries have the right to enhance their defence capabilities, Malaysia is closely monitoring China's growing influence in the South China Sea. Since 2014, China has claimed a vast portion of the South China Sea, a vital trading route, but this assertion is disputed by the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam. According to a US think tank, at least one Chinese coast guard vessel has entered and operated in Malaysian waters daily since January 1, 2024. Khaled emphasized that Malaysia respects the Philippines' right to bolster its defense alongside the US, but the proximity of the Balabac island base in Palawan to Sabah demands attention from Putrajaya to ensure the country's defense preparedness.",
  "summary": "Putrajaya's concern is that a conflict in the maritime area could spill over to the country, particularly Sabah, says minister Khaled Nordin.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Govt to bolster defence over risk of ‘major power’ clash in South China Sea",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/govt-to-bolster-defence-over-risk-of-major-power-clash-in-south-china",
        "published": "2026-09-26T09:24:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}