Malaysians have right to full access to South China Sea, says US official

 

Ships of the China coast guard have been found to be patrolling in waters close to Sabah and Sarawak. (Reuters pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The people of Malaysia have the right to full access to the South China Sea, despite China’s claims to sovereignty, says a US official.

Melissa Brown.

“I can unequivocally state that the US rejects China on (its) unlawful maritime claims and we stand with our Southeast Asian allies and partners” against China’s coercions.

“The free flow of commerce and access to resources… that belongs to the people of Malaysia and should be yours to use,” she said during an official visit to the country.

Brown said the US was looking forward to continuing its cooperation with Malaysia in order to handle this situation.

When asked what assurances the US could give about protecting the rights of littoral nations, Brown said the US would provide peace and stability, the respect for international law which includes freedom of navigation and overflight as well as other lawful uses of the sea.

“I hear time and time again that security cooperation (between the US and Malaysia) has seen a great benefit. The focus on maritime issues is something that is of interest to both our countries and cooperation has been well-received,” she said.

China has since 2014 claimed a wide swathe of the South China Sea which is a critical channel for maritime trade, global shipping and fishing.

Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines have disputed China’s claims. - FMT