MALAYSIA’S POSITION ON THE SOUTH CHINA SEA

 

Malaysia’s position on the South China Sea is consistent and remains unchanged. The Government of Malaysia is unequivocally and firmly committed to protecting Malaysia’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and interests in its maritime areas in the South China Sea, as depicted by our 1979 Map. Malaysia firmly holds the view that matters relating to the South China Sea must be resolved peacefully and constructively, in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).

By stating the term ‘negotiation’ during the Prime Minister’s Question Time at Parliament on 4 April 2023, Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the point that issues relating to the South China Sea should be discussed or resolved in a peaceful manner, utilising existing platforms and through diplomatic channels, and without compromising Malaysia’s principled position, to avoid any escalation of disputes and the threat or use of force.

In our common efforts to maintain the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and trade, it is therefore within this context that Malaysia will continue the diplomatic approach in our engagements with other States, including China.

This is in line with the provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), among others, dispute resolution by peaceful means and avoidance of the threat or use of force, as signed by ASEAN Member States and China in 2002.

This is also the approach taken in the ongoing negotiations between ASEAN Member States and China to conclude the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. ASEAN Member States and China are committed to the negotiations towards a Code of Conduct that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

 

 

PUTRAJAYA

8 April 2023