The weaponization of shipping channels

"“If we split it three ways between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, that could be quite something, right?” he said. He later clarified that he was not being entirely serious, after Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said that his country supported the freedom of navigation and would not be imposing tolls on vessels passing through the strait, which runs between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore."

"“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has forced policymakers in Asia to face questions over the security of other maritime chokepoints,” wrote the Reuters news agency. The Strait of Malacca is of particular concern. This is the most important shipping route between East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, accounting for around 22% of international maritime trade."

"“Even non-state actors are now in a position to serious disrupt the flow of global trade,” the think tank said, citing attacks by the Houthi militia in the Red Sea. Many shipping companies now avoid passing through the Suez Canal, taking the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope instead, which significantly impacts supply chains and prices."

A proposal to charge a toll for passage through the Strait of Malacca raised questions about whether maritime chokepoints could be used for geopolitical leverage. The strait connects the Indian Ocean and the Pacific and lies between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Indonesia’s finance minister suggested splitting toll revenue among the three countries, but later clarification emphasized support for freedom of navigation and no tolls on passing vessels. The Strait of Malacca is a critical shipping route linking East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, carrying about 22% of international maritime trade. Concerns extend beyond piracy and regional conflict, including disruptions by non-state actors such as attacks in the Red Sea that have altered shipping routes and increased costs.

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