Malaysia Shares PHL’ Position to Resolve Conflicting Claims in South China Sea through International Law

Kuala Lumpur (PNA) — This year’s ASEAN chair, Malaysia, has expressed support for the Philippines’ position to resolve the territorial disputes in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak made the statement while addressing the opening of the 26th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here.

“Respect for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, must be the basis of the rules of engagement and activities in the South China Sea,” Prime Minister Najib said.

The Philippines is pushing for the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea towards the conclusion of a binding Code of Conduct, and for arbitration under UNCLOS.

“While we continue our engagement and cooperative relationships with countries outside ASEAN, we need to peacefully manage differences closer to home, including overlapping maritime claims, without increasing tensions,” Prime Minister Najib said.

He said recent developments have raised concerns about the South China Sea and, given the importance of its sea lanes to international trade, it is natural that almost any occurrence there would attract global attention.

“ASEAN must address the developments in a proactive, but also in a positive and constructive way,” he added.

The Malaysian leader also expressed hope that progress towards the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct would be achieved.

“As chairman, Malaysia hopes that we will achieve progress in our efforts towards the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct,” he said.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Sunday, called on the 10-member grouping to take immediate steps to stop China’s reclamation activities in the South China Sea.

“The threats posed by these massive reclamations are real and cannot be ignored or denied. Their adverse implications are urgent and far-reaching, going beyond the region to encompass the global community,” del Rosario said.

“ASEAN should assert its leadership, centrality and solidarity. ASEAN must show the world that it has the resolve to act in the common interest,” he said.

The ASEAN, formed in August 1967, consists of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. (PNA) CTB/PND/SSC