The Strait of Malacca, a vital maritime chokepoint, has gained attention following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Stretching 900 km and bordered by Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, it serves as the shortest sea route from East Asia to the Middle East and Europe. The strait carries nearly 22% of the world’s maritime trade, including 23.2 million barrels of oil per day in the first half of 2025, surpassing the 20.9 million bpd that pass through Hormuz. With over 102,500 ships transiting in 2025, the strait is crucial for energy-hungry economies like China, Japan, and South Korea. However, its narrowest point is just 1.7 miles wide, raising concerns about collisions and piracy, which saw 104 attacks last year. Despite these risks, the strait is currently operationally stable, with coordinated patrols by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore ensuring security. Recent discussions among regional leaders about potential tolls on shipping have been dismissed, emphasizing a shared commitment to keeping the strait open for global trade.