No compromise on sovereignty, talks to continue over South China Sea dispute

Malaysia will not compromise on its sovereignty, said Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin. 

“The government is resolute in not compromising on matters relating to our country’s sovereignty.

“From the beginning, we have been firm in defending our sovereignty and we will continue to utilise existing platforms to negotiate with China (on the matter).

“We have the mechanism and we will continue to negotiate discussions involving the code of conduct in the South China Sea,” he said during the minister’s question time in Dewan Rakyat, today. 

Mohamad was responding to Zakri Hassan (PN-Kangar), who asked about the government’s position on the South China Sea dispute.

Mohamad stated that the government would leverage all available channels to negotiate with China regarding the ongoing dispute in the South China Sea. 

“Malaysia will also leverage its position as the chairman of Asean next year to strengthen cooperation with China and member countries.

“Last month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the bilateral meeting held with its China counterpart Premier Li Qiang had touched on the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability in the South China Sea,” he said. 

After the meeting, Anwar stated that both nations had agreed to resolve disputes peacefully through amicable consultations and negotiations, in accordance with established international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982.

Malaysia rejects China’s claim to a large part of the South China Sea, which is based on China’s “nine-dash line” map.

It is reported that China has dispatched its warships to the region.