KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is set to facilitate dialogue and cooperation between Asean member states and China regarding the South China Sea dispute when it assumes the Asean chairmanship in 2025.
Special officer (international relations) to Deputy Prime Minister II, Neow Choo Seong, said this role would enable Malaysia's leadership to guide the finalisation of the Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea.
This process will be conducted in line with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DoC) and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (Unclos) to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.
Neow added that such diplomatic achievements would further enhance Malaysia's reputation as a key advocate for regional cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution.
"In the face of these ongoing geopolitical challenges, it is crucial for Malaysia to continue upholding its sovereignty while maintaining strong, positive relations with all strategic partners. Through prudent diplomacy, Malaysia will remain a vital player in promoting maritime security, fostering regional cooperation, and ensuring the continued prosperity of our nation and the region," he said in a statement today.
Neow, who is also the MCA Youth information chief, said that while there were differing views on the South China Sea, it was essential to address the issue through peaceful dialogue and diplomatic channels. He added that maintaining close ties with China and other Asean partners is crucial in fostering a stable, peaceful, and cooperative regional environment.
"Any disputes between nations should be resolved through diplomatic efforts, in line with the principles of mutual respect and international law," he said.
In response to protests from China regarding the South China Sea, Neow said that as a sovereign nation, Malaysia has every right to pursue economic activities, such as oil and gas exploration, within its own territorial waters.
He said that these activities are conducted in full compliance with international law, particularly Unclos 1982, and within Malaysia's lawful jurisdiction.
"This position affirms that any legitimate actions in our maritime zones are protected and should not be subject to external dispute," he added.
Neow expressed hope that the maritime dispute with China, Malaysia's largest trading partner, could be resolved without any party politicising or escalating tensions between the two nations.
He stressed the importance of confidence in the diplomatic process, guided by leadership on both sides, to maintain harmony and mutual trust.
"Hence, I am confident that with the open and forward-thinking leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Malaysia can continue to navigate any challenges that arise in the South China Sea peacefully.
"A measured and mature approach to diplomacy remains key to preserving regional peace and stability. Malaysia has demonstrated a clear understanding that conflict, whether within our borders or in the broader Southeast Asian region, would be counterproductive. Instead, we recognise that any escalation could potentially harm the economic growth and security of the region as a whole," he said.
It was reported that China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including the 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, Taiwan, and Vietnam, as part of its territory.
Under international law, EEZs do not confer sovereignty but grant the country the right to extract resources within the zone.