A source at the Foreign Affairs Ministry has denied media reports of a stand-off between ships operated by China and Malaysia in the South China Sea.
“There is no such confrontation or any 'stand-off' between Chinese and Malaysian ships,” the ministry official said yesterday.
The source added that Malaysia closely monitors the presence and activities of all foreign vessels in its waters in the South China Sea.
Previously, Reuters reported that a Chinese government research vessel Haiyang Dizhi 8 had been seen conducting surveys near the Petronas-operated drillship West Capella.
It said the incident occurred in an area near waters claimed by Vietnam, Malaysia and China.
US Navy vessels USS America and USS Bunker Hill were reportedly deployed in the area in response, to “promote freedom of navigation and overflight”.
Officials from China had denied a stand-off had taken place.
On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang told a press conference that the survey ship was conducting “normal activities in waters under China’s jurisdiction.
“Currently, the situation in the South China Sea is basically stable. Relevant parties should exercise self-restraint and avoid taking actions complicating the situation or escalating disputes,” Geng said, adding that the situation in the South China Sea is steadily improving. - Mkini
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