MALAYSIA will continue with the diplomatic approach in its engagements with other states including China in common efforts to preserve the South China Sea as a territory of peace, stability and trade, said the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra). 

In a statement today, it said this is in line with provisions in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) on dispute resolutions via peaceful means and the avoidance of the threat or use of force, as agreed upon by Asean and China in 2002. 

Wisma Putra said this is also the approach employed in ongoing negotiations between Asean and China to conclude the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. 

“Asean member states and China are committed to negotiations towards a COC that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 Unclos (the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” the statement read.

Malaysia’s view on South China Sea issues is consistent and remains unchanged, said Wisma Putra, adding that the government is unequivocally and firmly committed to protecting Malaysia’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and interests in its maritime area as depicted by its 1979 map.

It said Malaysia holds firm that South China Sea matters must be resolved peacefully and constructively in accordance with international law, including Unclos.

Wisma Putra said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s use of the term “negotiation” in reference to South China Sea issues in parliament on April 4 highlighted how those matters should be resolved peacefully using existing platforms and diplomatic channels without compromising Malaysia’s principles, to avoid any escalation or use of force.

In an interview with China Daily during his visit to China last week, Anwar said there is no easy solution for the overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea, and that the problem is not insurmountable as long as dialogue continues. – Bernama, April 8, 2023.