[Diplomacy 101] Of Diplomacy and Cookies; The Subtle Art of Balance

A Summit Beyond Symbolism

Malaysia’s foreign policy has long rested on quiet confidence rather than loud declarations. But as global dynamics grow more complex, that quiet confidence is beginning to speak volumes.

The arrival of Donald J. Trump in Malaysia on 26th October for the 47th ASEAN Summit 2025 is more than just a high-profile visit. While it may be too early to call this gathering a full success, his presence underscores a significant signal; our foreign policy is being recognised and our role in shaping and defining US-Malaysia-ASEAN relations is coming to the forefront.

This is not about one individual figure or a show of world and regional leaders’ attendance. It is about Malaysia’s capability as a nation state, our capacity to engage, influence and balance. The art of diplomacy reminds us; not too rigid, not too soft, just like a cookie!

The analogy is that we can think about the art of diplomacy and its similarity to cookies; if it’s too hard, it breaks easily, and if it’s too soft, it falls apart. Diplomatic ties must sit in that sweet spot and stay in shape.

Between Two Giants: The Malaysian Way

Why does this matter so much now? For Malaysia, the geopolitical stakes are considerable. On one side is the United States, an important partner engaging in trade deals and strategic outreach across the region.

On the other is China, whose economic and strategic influence in Southeast Asia is profound and growing. Malaysia has longstanding relationships with both. We are neither automatically aligned with one nor moving entirely away from other.

And that is our strength. Malaysia's foreign policy is based on the principle of neutrality and maintaining peaceful relations with all countries, regardless of their ideology or political system.

As the host country and chair of ASEAN in 2025, Malaysia occupies a unique position. We are a voice for the region, and at the same time a nation committed to a foreign policy doctrine of neutrality and balance.

While the United States and China may compete economically, technologically and ideologically, Malaysia must navigate between them without provoking distrust or feeling compelled to “choose”. That means crafting relationships, partnerships and coalitions that reward mutual confidence rather than force unilateral commitments.

The cookie analogy helps to clarify this. Imagine diplomacy as the process of baking the right cookie. If Malaysia’s posture were too rigid, too hard like an over-baked biscuit, our relationships might crack under pressure or break when challenged.

If Malaysia became too loose, too soft like an under-cooked dough, we might lack credibility or appear unable to stand firm. Instead, we aim for a texture that holds its form yet retains flexibility; firm in conviction but open to engagement.

In practice, that means Malaysia agreeing to trade and critical minerals deals with the US during the gathering, while at the same time maintaining strong ties with China and ASEAN neighbours. It also means engaging with ASEAN’s collective agenda, keeping ASEAN’s unity and voice at the centre. Malaysia’s role is not to accept one side’s dominance but to be a capable coordinator of the region’s interests.

Firm In Principle, Soft In Approach

This approach of firmness and tact is not new to Malaysia. A notable example lies in the 2019 European Union (EU) palm oil dispute, when then 7th Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad openly criticised the EU’s proposed restrictions on palm oil under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), calling it an act of “economic injustice” against developing nations.

His government’s stance was firm in defending Malaysia’s smallholder farmers and national interests. Instead of resorting to confrontation, Malaysia pursued institutional diplomacy, engaging through ASEAN and later filing a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2021.

This episode reflected Malaysia’s ability to combine firmness with composure; a balance of principle and pragmatism that defines our diplomatic tradition.

Similarly, the 10th Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unwavering position on Gaza, while maintaining constructive ties with the West, further illustrates Malaysia’s ability to uphold moral clarity without isolating itself from dialogue. His stance reflects a consistent thread in Malaysia’s foreign policy; compassion without compromise.

At the same time, some might view Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks on Gaza made directly in front of Donald Trump as the 'bare minimum', insufficient, and even compare them to Mahathir’s past firmness and vocal stance when speaking on the Gaza-Palestine issue. The fact remains that, whether on the ASEAN stage or beyond, we have seen how outspoken and consistent Anwar has been in addressing the Gaza-Palestine cause.

This balancing act is not easy, and we should be honest about that. Some may still be trying to understand what exactly is going on. But the key message is this; our foreign policy is not about switching sides. It is about standing in between and bringing parties together. It is about how ASEAN and world leaders recognise this coalition’s potential, how they see in Malaysia an actor capable of shaping outcomes rather than just following them.

The Perfect Cookie of Diplomacy

Ultimately, just as the best cookies are neither too crunchy nor too mushy (or maybe “cheesy”), our diplomatic ties should be neither too rigid nor too weak. Strong enough to hold our values and interests, flexible enough to adapt to shifting global dynamics. That is how sustainable diplomatic ties are made.

In this era of uncertain and 'changeable' geopolitical competition, Malaysia’s role as a balancing actor and facilitator of partnerships deserves our attention and full support.

Diplomacy, much like the art of baking a fine cookie, demands a careful balance of the right ingredients, guided by thoughtfulness, patience and the confidence to craft something enduring. It is a process that cannot be rushed or improvised, for every element, from timing to temperament, determines the final outcome.

In the same way that a baker trusts both skill and instinct, a nation must rely on both principle and pragmatism to create relationships that stand the test of time.

So perhaps, as we take a bite of our own cookie, we should be reminded that diplomacy too is about finding the right "texture"; firm enough to hold, yet soft enough to connect.

And before you finish your cookie, remember that diplomacy also depends on the right mix of firmness and warmth to keep the world from crumbling.