Asean must collaborate to resolve South China Sea dispute, says Anwar

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim prefers to adopt bilateral, multilateral and Asean mechanisms to resolve China’s claims to sovereignty over Malaysia’s exclusive economic zones in the South China Sea.

PUTRAJAYA: 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says Asean must work together to defend against China’s claims to sovereignty over the South China Sea, saying mechanisms are available to resolve such disputes in a non-confrontational manner.

He said Malaysia prefers to adopt “bilateral, multilateral and Asean mechanisms” to resolve differences it has with China over the issue.

“We discuss. We express our concern. We encourage our colleagues in Asean to also do likewise,” Anwar said in an exclusive interview with FMT.

The prime minister also pushed back against any attempt to portray China as aggressive and confrontational, saying such narratives often emanate from “Western capitalists”.

“We are now great friends with China. We have also maintained excellent relations with the United States. You can see that in the huge investments (US companies have made) in Malaysia,” he said.

China has sought under its controversial nine-dash-line map to lay claim to maritime areas within the 200 nautical-mile (370km) exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Malaysia has consistently opposed these claims, but has adopted a softer approach to the issue compared to some of its regional neighbours.

Anwar was adamant that Malaysia’s recent admission as a partner country in BRICS would not weaken its ability to defend against China’s claim to Malaysian waters. He said disputes between countries are common but do not affect overall diplomatic relations.

“We have problems, as most countries have problems with their neighbours. We have problems with Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia. But these problems do not in any way affect our strong bond, friendship and cooperation.”

Enhancing trade in Asean

With Malaysia taking over as Asean chairman next year, Anwar said one of his priorities would be to strengthen trade and economic collaboration among the grouping’s 10 member countries.

“Asean is a relatively spectacular region in terms of maintaining peace and being one convergent, formidable group, but it lacks economic collaboration and working together as an economic force.”

He said the grouping can draw inspiration from the success of its various initiatives, including the Asean Power Grid, which has strengthened cross-border cooperation in the production and distribution of clean energy.

In 2022, the first phase of the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project saw up to 100 megawatts of hydropower being imported from Laos to Singapore through Thailand and Malaysia via existing interconnectors. - FMT