被“截胡”二十年：马来西亚如何在中美夹缝中复兴？

Core Viewpoint - Malaysia's Johor state is actively seeking to attract Chinese investments, particularly in sectors like semiconductors, special chemicals, and aerospace materials, amidst a global supply chain restructuring due to US-China trade tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic [6][9]. Group 1: Investment Opportunities - The Johor delegation is meeting with Chinese companies to encourage them to invest in the state, with a focus on bringing their supply chains along [11][12]. - Chinese companies are motivated to invest in Malaysia due to lower tariffs on products labeled as "Made in Malaysia," which significantly reduces export costs to the US compared to products exported from China [12][13]. - The Malaysian government has identified five key industries for development by 2030: aerospace, data centers, electronics manufacturing, special chemicals, and medical devices [9][16]. Group 2: Challenges and Considerations - Despite the attractive investment landscape, Chinese companies face challenges such as higher labor costs in Malaysia compared to neighboring countries like Vietnam and Indonesia [14][15]. - Concerns about the completeness of the local supply chain in certain sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, may deter investment despite favorable export conditions [15]. - The potential for increased scrutiny from the US regarding Chinese investments in Malaysia, particularly in technology sectors, poses a risk for companies considering expansion [19]. Group 3: Strategic Positioning - Malaysia aims to position itself as a middle power that can serve both the US and China, focusing on industries that can thrive regardless of geopolitical tensions [9][19]. - The establishment of the "Johor-Singapore Economic Zone" is intended to replicate the success of Shenzhen by attracting investment and technology from Singapore while utilizing Johor's lower operational costs [16][17]. - The rapid growth of data centers in Johor, driven by the overflow from Singapore, highlights the state's potential as a new hub for technology infrastructure [17][18]. Group 4: Historical Context and Future Outlook - Malaysia's industrialization efforts have faced setbacks, particularly after China's entry into the WTO, which redirected investment and technology away from Malaysia [8][9]. - The "Forest City" project, initially a symbol of hope for Chinese investment, serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities and risks of cross-border investments [20][21]. - The evolving landscape of global competition, particularly between the US and China, necessitates that both Malaysian and Chinese companies adopt strategies to mitigate risks and ensure sustainable growth [22][23].