Wisma Putra declines comment on ‘foreign warship sighting’ in EEZ

 

The Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the alleged sighting of a China Navy warship in Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“While we have noted these reports, we are unable to comment on their accuracy or specifics regarding the movements of military vessels, as these matters fall under operational security and defence authorities,” it said in a statement today.

The statement was made after allegations circulated on social media claiming a Type 053H3 light frigate of the People’s Liberation Army Navy was seen loitering near the Velesto Naga 4 oil rig.

The missile-armed ship was purportedly accompanied by a China Coast Guard cutter.

Photos and videos of the alleged sighting, which purportedly occurred on the evening of Sept 7, were also circulated.

It was previously reported that Petronas had contracted several Velesto Energy Bhd oil rigs including the Velesto Naga 4 for oil drilling operations on Malaysia’s coast.

Meanwhile, Wisma Putra reiterated that its stance regarding the South China Sea issue remains consistent, and it is committed to defending Malaysia’s sovereignty and its maritime interests in accordance with the 1979 Malaysia map.

“In line with our dedication to maintaining the South China Sea as a region of peace, stability, and trade, Malaysia will continue to engage diplomatically with all relevant countries.

“We remain committed to resolving disputes through peaceful means and to adhere to the principles outlined in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), which underscores the importance of avoiding threats or the use of force,” it said.

The incident came just weeks after a leaked diplomatic cable from China dated Feb 18 revealed that China told Malaysia to cease its oil and gas exploration near Beting Raja Jarum and Beting Patinggi Ali in the Spratly Islands.

The leak prompted Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to say on Sept 5 that Malaysia will continue its oil and gas exploration despite China’s demands.

In 2017, Malaysiakini also reported that China’s coast guard has maintained a near-constant presence in disputed waters near Luconia Shoals, off the coast of Sarawak.

In the years since, reports by the Washington-based Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative indicate such behaviour has continued.

In its latest annual report on the subject, for example, it said three different China Coast Guard vessels had patrolled around Luconia Shoals for at least 338 days in 2023.

The analysis is based on publicly available data from the ships’ Automatic Identification System (AIS), but the system can be switched off to avoid public scrutiny. - Mkini