ALOR STAR: The United States is steadfast in its support of Malaysia's sovereignty and Southeast Asian nations' stance in rejecting the idea of unilateral actions in the South China Sea.
Stressing the US' strong interest in continuing and expanding its security cooperation with Malaysia, US ambassador Edgard D. Kagan described developments in the South China Sea as "very concerning".
"I think there's no question that what is happening in the South China Sea has changed dramatically in the past 15 years.
"There have been a lot of changes, however, that led to greater confrontation, and different countries are taking different approaches in dealing with it.
The message, we believe, is that countries should avoid unilateral actions and the use of force, and should seek international mechanisms to address this.
"We want the people of Malaysia to know that the US supports their sovereignty and ability to enforce their sovereignty, and that we reject the idea of unilateral actions in the South China Sea."
He said this in an exclusive interview with the New Straits Times.
He was also asked on how Malaysia and Asean's policy of neutrality and non-alignment played a role in maintaining regional stability.
He said the US rejected the idea that the South China Sea tension was an issue of alignment or non-alignment.
"In our view, there is a very easy solution, which is that countries should abide by international law, follow international norms and avoid creating tension.
"The creation of tension is not an issue solved by non-alignment.
"It is something where the responsibility is very clear for the US.
"We have been operating in the South China Sea for decades. Our position hasn't changed."
He acknowledged Asean's efforts to hold discussions on a code of conduct in the South China Sea, which lacked progress.
"That is not a result of Asean lacking effort.
"There is also an important mechanism, which is respect for international law.
"The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea made clear rulings on the legal basis for what is happening in the South China Sea, and they're not being respected.
"I think it is difficult for a country to be selective in what it chooses to respect in terms of international law."
He commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's stance that Malaysia would retain security cooperation with the US despite its vocal stance on the Gaza conflict.
"We believe it is in Malaysia's interest, and it's in the interests of the region and the US for countries in the region to work together to promote peace and stability in the South China Sea.
"They should make clear that there's a collective rejection of unilateral actions, use of force and aggressive behaviour."