South China Sea: Malaysia opposes ‘external forces’ meddling in disputed waters, foreign minister says in swipe at US-Philippines military exercises

Mohamad Hasan takes a veiled swipe at US-Philippines military cooperation during a meeting with China’s foreign minister in Beijing
Comments echo China’s position that dispute should be resolved among regional parties

China-Asean relations

Liu Zhen

Published: 10:00pm, 25 Apr 2024

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Malaysia’s foreign minister said on Thursday that his country opposes “external forces” meddling in the South China Sea.

Speaking during a meeting in Beijing with Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, Mohamad Hasan said foreign interference in the region was not welcomed.

Hasan was in Beijing for the 50th anniversary celebration of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China, according to a statement issued by China’s foreign ministry.

Malaysia is one of several nations with overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea, and the minister’s comments largely echoed China’s long-held position that the dispute should be resolved among regional parties and “external forces” should not be involved.

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According to the Chinese readout, Wang praised Malaysia as “an important member of Asean [the Association of Southeast Asian Nations], a representative of emerging economies, and a positive and stable force in the Muslim world”, and he promised that China would improve coordination with Malaysia and stand up and speak for the interests of the Global South on the international stage.

The readout also said both men discussed strengthening economic cooperation and exchanged views on international issues.

Mohamad Hasan said that Malaysia highly appreciates China’s stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, while Wang said China wanted to work with Malaysia to promote an early, comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the issue, according to the readout.

Mohamad Hasan’s visit came as the United States and the Philippines continue Balikatan 2024, an annual and two-week bilateral joint military exercise in the South China Sea until May 8.

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The US and Japan have jointly backed the Philippines and accused China of “dangerous and aggressive behaviour” in the South China Sea after a trilateral meeting between Washington, Tokyo and Manila earlier this month.

Disputes between Beijing and Manila over areas of the South China Sea have intensified in the past year, particularly over resupply missions to a Philippines’ outpost at the Second Thomas Shoal.

Manila has denied a “gentleman’s agreement” between Beijing and former president Rodrigo Duterte, and has sought support from its treaty ally the US, as well as Japan.

Mainland China claims most of the South China Sea while the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan also each have overlapping claims to the resource-rich waters.

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On Thursday, Chinese defence ministry spokesman, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, also criticised “external interference” in the South China Sea, in reference to the US-Philippines exercise, adding that “drawing forces from outside the region or countries not directly concerned into the issue would only further complicate the situation and make it harder to resolve”.

“We believe differences should be properly handled through dialogue and consultation among countries in the region,” Wu said.

“We oppose external interference, muscle flexing, provocations, and harassment in the South China Sea, and oppose exclusive circles or bloc confrontation.”