JAKARTA - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of dialogue and compliance with international law in maintaining regional peace and stability, including the South China Sea.
PM Anwar said Malaysia has maintained meaningful engagement with China despite the maritime dispute in the South China Sea.
"Personally, I do not have a phobia of potential threats in the South China Sea. Yes, there are problems, but so far Malaysia's position and experience, arguably, is a meaningful exchange with China," Anwar Ibrahim said in a discussion of the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable Meeting (APR) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thursday, July 2 as reported by ANTARA.
He rejected the notion that conflict in the South China Sea was inevitable. Anwar emphasized that dialogue, mutual trust, and compliance with international law were very important to maintain regional peace and stability.
"I have discussed it with President (China) Xi Jinping, with Prime Minister (China) Li Qiang; but our relations are very good. There is not a single question or major issue that can cause tension," he added.
China has 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, he said. It continues to guide efforts towards a peaceful settlement of disputes.
Anwar also reminded that it was not too focused on narratives that were too centered on the prospect of war in the region. According to him, ASEAN must remain committed to diplomacy.
Malaysia together with ASEAN stated that it would continue to advocate for reforms of global multilateral institutions, including the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
ASEAN's ability to maintain peace for decades, he said, was supported by close relations among its leaders, who regularly communicate directly to resolve differences before differences escalate.
Regarding the Cambodian-Thai border issue, Anwar welcomed the commitment of the two countries to continue negotiations and described many border disputes in the region as a historical legacy from the colonial era.
Anwar Ibrahim said that continued dialogue and mutual trust would eventually allow both parties to reach a peaceful settlement.
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