Maritime Security: Analyzing Soft Blockades and Strategic Chokepoints in Southeast Asia (hcss.nl)

• Rise of non-military coercion impacting freedom of navigation.
• Malaysia's proactive role in managing contested waters through coast guard upgrades.
• Proposed EU involvement focuses on technical support and capacity building.

"This HCSS report examines the shift from overt military conflict to 'soft blockades' and grey-zone tactics in Southeast Asian maritime corridors. By utilizing maritime militias, regulatory pressure, and persistent law-enforcement presence, states are increasingly constraining navigation without formal warfare. The analysis focuses on Malaysia’s defensive posture and argues for enhanced EU–Malaysia cooperation. Key pillars for resilience include strengthening maritime domain awareness, institutional reform, and capacity building to protect vital trade lanes within the rules-based order."