KUALA LUMPUR: The bilateral meeting held between between Malaysia and China touched on the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability in the South China Sea.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in a joint statement today said both countries agreed to resolve disputes by peaceful means through friendly consultations and negotiations, in line with the recognised international law, including the United Nations Convention 1982 on the Law of the Sea.
"The two sides will launch the bilateral dialogue ont he management of maritime issues as early as possible to foster maritime dialogue and cooperation."
"The two sides will also work together with other Asean countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and look forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC)," they said.
Anwar in March this year had said Malaysia was committed to peacefully resolving disputes in the South China Sea based on international law, including UNCLOS. (Reference: https://www.nst.com.my/amp/news/nation/2024/03/1022017/malaysia-committe...)
Anwar had said in recognising the sensitivity and complexity of the issue, Malaysia firmly believed that all parties should exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that would further complicate the situation.
In another development, both leaders also reaffirmed the principles, shared values and norms enshrined in the Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) treaty.
They also upheld Asean centrality and efforts to strengthen Asean-led mechanisms to promote an open and inclusive regional architecture that is peaceful, stable, and conducive to regional development, growth and prosperity.
The statement also mentioned China's support towards Malaysia to assume the Asean chairmanship in 2025.
"China welcomes Malaysia taking on the role of country coordinator for Asean-China Dialogue Relations in 2024, and firmly supports Malaysia in assuming the chairmanship of Asean in 2025.
"Both countries will also continue to promote the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement and look forward to accelerating the Asean-China Free Trade 3.0 upgrade negotiations towards the conclusion as soon as possible."