Malaysia’s relationship with the West has been on the up in recent years. Its handling of thorny issues like people smuggling, counter terrorism and nuclear proliferation in countries including Iran is a significant shift from the unnecessary belligerence that flourished under long-serving leader Mohammad Mahathir. Luke Hunt writes for The Diplomat.

The result has been improved goodwill all round. One issue, however, has emerged that will test that goodwill with Australia. The battle is over rare earths, the toxic by-products it produces and the Malaysian home one Australian company would like to find for it.