KUALA LUMPUR, 21 SEPT – Malaysia has never recognised the claims of any of the claimant states in the South China Sea, including China.
This was stated by the Deputy Foreign Minister, Datuk Mohamad Alamin, in the Dewan Rakyat last Tuesday.
According to him, the Malaysian government has lodged a diplomatic protest with Beijing against the issuance of the China Standard Map 2023, published at the end of August.
The protest was lodged on September 11, 2023.
“Malaysia strongly rejects China’s claims to sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over maritime features or maritime areas in the South China Sea that include Malaysia’s maritime areas based on the 1979 New Malaysian Map.
“This is inconsistent with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982),” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohamad explained that the issue of the South China Sea waters is a complex and sensitive matter. This is because it involves relations between the countries concerned, which overlapping claims.
“Therefore, this issue needs to be handled comprehensively, and every action taken by the government is based on comprehensive considerations.
“In defending sovereignty, sovereign rights, and national interests, the Malaysian government must adopt a cautious approach.
“This is to avoid actions that could escalate tension and any unwanted incidents within the country’s maritime areas,” he said.
He added that Malaysia is committed to addressing the South China Sea issue constructively using appropriate forums and diplomatic channels. – airtimes.my
