Malaysia ’s call for major powers to apply international law “consistently, not selectively” could signal growing regional unease with how big players are seen to invoke rules only when convenient. “But we expect you to do so while respecting international laws and rules-based orders – consistently, not selectively.” Analysts said the remarks were aimed broadly at major powers, including the United States and China, as Southeast Asian states sought stronger deterrence against coercion while trying to preserve their strategic autonomy. Captain Dustin Wallace, staff judge advocate of the US Pacific Command, at the 37th International Military Law and Operations Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Monday. Photo: EPAOfficials from the US Pacific Command (PACOM) also pledged at the conference to maintain a regional presence to deter aggression.