Kuala Lumpur,8 April 2023 (TDI): The Malaysian government’s unwavering commitment to upholding its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and interests in its maritime territories in the South China Sea has been reiterated in a recent statement.
Despite ongoing tensions in the region, Malaysia has maintained a steadfast stance, clearly affirming its determination to safeguard its territorial integrity.
The government’s position underscores its commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the region while also protecting its own interests. With this firm stance, Malaysia remains resolute in defending its rights and maintaining a secure and stable South China Sea.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia issued a statement on the Malaysian Position on the South China Sea.
https://twitter.com/MalaysiaMFA/status/1644605871576723458?s=20
The country has consistently advocated for a rules-based international order, peaceful resolution of disputes, and the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.
During Prime Minister’s Question Time in Parliament on 4 April 2023, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that issues relating to the South China Seas should be discussed or resolved peacefully.
These issues should be resolved using mediation platforms and diplomatic channels, and without compromising Malaysia’s principled position, to avoid any escalation of disputes and the threat or use of force.
Also read: Chinese Foreign Minister Meets Secretary General of ASEAN
Malaysia will continue to take a diplomatic approach in its dealings with other countries, particularly China, to keep the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and trade.
Malaysia is adamant that disputes over the South China Sea be addressed peacefully and productively following internationally acknowledged norms of international law, such as the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. (1982 UNCLOS).
This is consistent with the principles of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), which include, among other things, dispute settlement by peaceful methods and the avoidance of the threat or use of force.
This is also the method followed in the current discussions between ASEAN member states and China to finalize the South China Sea Code by organization press
ASEAN member nations and China are committed to developing a Code of Conduct in accordance with international law, namely the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brunei have overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea. Malaysia’s stance on the South China Sea issue has been steady and unaltered for decades.
Malaysia considers the South China Sea a vital part of its maritime territory and has been actively pursuing its claims through peaceful means, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
I am Bismillah Arooj, currently studying International Relations at Quaideazam University Islamabad. I'm working with Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies as an Intern.
You can reach me through my email bismillaharooj29@gmail.com
