IT is unfortunate that a Chinese government survey ship has tagged an exploration vessel operated by Malaysia’s state oil company Petronas in disputed waters in the South China Sea.

It was close to the Petronas-operated West Capella, according to the security sources.

One of the sources said a Vietnamese vessel was also tagging the West Capella.

The Malaysian government should voice its diplomatic protest to the Chinese and Vietnamese governments on such encroachment and intimidation.

Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein’s assertion on sensitivity of the issue has basically compromised Malaysian rights to freely explore in the seas within its jurisdiction and rights.

While the area is close to waters claimed by China, Vietnam and Malaysia, China’s sweeping claim to most of the South China Sea within its U-shaped nine-dash line is not acceptable. It is also not recognised by its neighbours or most of the world.

Its self-proclaim sovereignty over the entire South China Sea guides its behaviour and it is against the collective interest of the region.

It is vital for the Malaysian government to use this incident to reaffirm the findings of international tribunal of The Hague on China’s behaviour in the South China Sea, including its construction of artificial island.

In the tribunal’s judgement, China’s expansive claim on sovereignty over the waters had no legal basis. Most importantly, the tribunal rejected China’s argument that it enjoys historical rights over most of the South China Sea.

It is sad that Asean that includes Malaysia has been timid in addressing these issues in the context of the tribunal findings and international law due to Chinese economic clout in these countries.

Therefore, the Association for Community and Dialogue urges the Malaysian government to exert its rights based on international law and not be intimidated and blinded by Chinese aid in the current battle with Covid-19.

If such deafening silence is going to be a norm, then we will end up with another hegemonic power using economic and military intimidation to dominate the seas that are rich with oil reserves.

The constant conflict in West Asia should be a lesson to oppose hegemonic powers with the objective to control valuable resources – something that is against national interests and the collective interest of the entire region. – April 25, 2020.

* Ronald Benjamin is secretary of the Association for Community and Dialogue.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.