By Shannon Tiezzi
Frustrations in China towards Malaysia’s handling of the search and rescue mission could spill over to affect ties.
Xi Jinping visited Malaysia in December 2013. At the time, Xinhua was upbeat about China-Malaysia relations, proclaiming that “Xi’s visit ushered in a new era in Sino-Malaysian ties.” The article added, “As China and Malaysia celebrating the 40th anniversary of formal ties in 2014, great opportunities await.” Now, however, those “great opportunities” have been overshadowed by an unexpected crisis: the disappearance on Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, along with 239 passengers and crew (including over 150 Chinese passengers).
Since the disappearance of the flight on March 8, China’s government has grown increasingly restless regarding Malaysia’s response. The slow trickle of information from Malaysia was outpaced by media reports and speculation, causing consternation among Chinese officials hoping to be kept informed of the latest developments. For example, according to Hong Lei’s press conference on March 14, China first heard of Malaysia’s suspicion that Flight 370 had changed direction (meaning the search was taking place in the wrong area) by watching Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein’s public press conference. Only afterwards, when China immediately requested clarification through diplomatic channels, did Malaysia officially confirm the information to Chinese officials involved in the search. The Chinese government is understandably fed up with relying on media leaks and public press conference for information.
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