Straits of Malacca

The Straits of Malacca is a narrow waterway between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It stretches about 550 miles and is one of the most important shipping routes in the world, connecting the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea. This strait is crucial for international trade, as a significant portion of global shipping passes through it, including oil, goods, and commodities. Its strategic location also makes it vulnerable to piracy and other security challenges, highlighting its geopolitical significance in Southeast Asia.