KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has rejected the notion that conflict in the South China Sea is inevitable, stressing that dialogue, mutual trust and adherence to international law are essential to preserving regional peace and stability.
During a question-and-answer session at the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable here on Thursday, Anwar said Malaysia had maintained meaningful engagement with China despite maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
“I personally don’t share this phobia about the potential threat to the South China Sea. Yes, there are issues, but thus far, Malaysia’s position and experience has been very, I should say, meaningful exchanges with China.
“I’ve talked about it to President Xi Jinping, to Premier Li Qiang, but the relations have been excellent. There has not been one major question or issue that would cause tension,” he said.
He said China had expressed support for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the ongoing negotiations on the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, which should continue to guide efforts towards a peaceful resolution of disputes.
Anwar also cautioned against narratives that focus excessively on the prospect of war in the region, saying ASEAN should remain committed to diplomacy and engagement while Malaysia, together with ASEAN, would continue to advocate reforms of global multilateral institutions, including the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation.
He said ASEAN’s ability to preserve peace over the decades was underpinned by the close relationships among its leaders, who regularly communicate directly to resolve differences before they escalate.
Touching on the Cambodia-Thailand border issue, Anwar welcomed both countries’ commitment to continue negotiations, describing many border disputes in the region as historical legacies of the colonial era.
He expressed confidence that sustained dialogue and mutual trust would eventually enable both sides to reach a peaceful settlement.
