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[UPDATED] Mindef: Chinese Coast Guard, not navy ships, in South China Sea [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: The presence of Chinese assets in the South China Sea is primarily from its Coast Guard, and not its naval ships, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said their presence aligned with the grey zone strategy that the republic was implementing in the South China Sea.

KUALA LUMPUR: The presence of Chinese assets in the South China Sea is primarily from its Coast Guard, and not its naval ships, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said their presence aligned with the grey zone strategy that the republic was implementing in the South China Sea.

"Although the presence of Chinese vessels in our waters has caused polemics, they have not engaged in any aggressive actions like those seen with the Philippines and Vietnam.

"Nevertheless, the Defence Ministry remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities in safeguarding national waters and ensuring asset readiness to confront maritime threats, especially in the South China Sea," he said in response to Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (Barisan Nasional-Jelebu).

Jalaluddin asked about the extent to which the security of Malaysia's waters in the South China Sea was guaranteed following the encroachment of China's military frigates and Coast Guard in the Exclusive Economic Zone in the Sarawak Maritime Territory.

Based on the threat assessment for the South China Sea, Adly said; "In general, the security situation is safe and under control for the maritime community."

Adly said the ministry's priorities in the South China Sea focus on three key areas.

"First, our readiness and modernisation of our assets, which we often discuss in Parliament regarding procurement.

"Second, concerning our operations, we have consistently enhanced our presence in the South China Sea over time.

"Third, we aim to strengthen defence diplomacy through the Asean Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM). We are working to enhance cooperation between Asean and ADMM-Plus. Issues in the South China Sea involve not only Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, but the entire Asean region.

"As we prepare to chair Asean next year, we aim to address emerging issues. What's crucial for us in the South China Sea is maintaining a safe economic environment for fishermen while ensuring that maritime trade remains secure for all economic activities."

In reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN-Tanah Merah) Adly said; "The ministry is collaborating with the Foreign Ministry to ensure that when foreign naval vessels request to dock in our country, the purposes and goals are mutually beneficial, whether through information sharing or specific objectives.

"I believe this issue should not become a polemic, as long as it stays within our control and adheres to our regulations. Additionally, some of these port calls include joint activities with the local community."

Regarding Beting Patinggi Ali, Adly said; "We face challenges, particularly with the Chinese Coast Guard, and we do not want to appear offensive. We collaborate with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency to ensure effective communication.

"For Malaysia, our top priority is to keep the South China Sea safe. We are committed to the principle of freedom of navigation.

"This year marks the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China cooperation and bilateral diplomatic relations.

"We will leverage this relationship, and our actions may differ from those of our neighbours, the Philippines and Vietnam. For Malaysia, as long as we can use diplomacy and continue our economic activities—such as oil exploration, fishing, tourism, and trade—peacefully, that will remain our priority."

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