VIENTIANE: Asean and China have reached an agreement to avoid disputes in the South China Sea through diplomacy and negotiations, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking to Malaysian media at the close of the Asean summit here, he said: “I suggested, if possible, to use Asean channels, for example. Of course, some developments in the Philippines are concerning, and we have conveyed that.
"There is assurance from the Chinese premier, Li Qiang, that this matter will be handled peacefully in line with the spirit of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982."
Disputes in the South China Sea were among the key issues discussed at the summit by the 10 Asean members and China, a dialogue partner, with emphasis placed on the right to defend their respective national sovereignty.
Last August, the Philippines and China pointed fingers at each other over the collision of coast guard vessels near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, marking the fifth maritime confrontation between the two countries within a month.
China has claimed most of the South China Sea, including several strategic islands and reefs, as its territorial waters, leading to disputes with the Philippines, and several other countries.
Negotiations with Myanmar
Anwar said the political crisis and violence in Myanmar was among the main topics of discussion at the three-day summit. Myanmar expressed its readiness to engage directly and actively with Malaysia, and he had instructed foreign minister Mohamad Hasan to coordinate the negotiations.
"Although we are bound by the principles agreed upon by Asean leadership, there must be an informal discussion at the highest level so we can clarify matters with them (Myanmar)," he said.
Approximately 4,000 people have been killed, and nearly a million residents displaced since Myanmar’s civilian government was abruptly overthrown in a military coup in February 2021. Malaysia is currently hosting around 200,000 Myanmar refugees.
Anwar said Malaysia had also emphasised the importance of upholding Asean’s principle of independence at the East Asia summit today.
He said this includes continuing good bilateral relations with the United States and the European Union while also strengthening ties with China.
"At the same time, we maintain relations with Russia, which some Western countries disapprove of, but I stressed that as a free and sovereign nation, we have the right to establish relations with everyone," he said.
The East Asia Summit involves 18 countries, including the 10 Asean members, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the United States.
