The United States, through its newly appointed envoy to Malaysia Edgard D Kagan, has raised concerns over China’s actions within a disputed territory in the South China Sea that borders the Philippines and Sabah.
Specifically, Kagan cited the ongoing confrontation between China and the Philippines over the Second Thomas Shoal - a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands, 105 nautical miles west of the Philipines - claimed by China, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.
“We are deeply concerned by China’s action in the area of the Second Thomas Shoal, where we strongly believe that the Philippines are acting based on long-standing policy and precedent.
“We also have real concerns about the use of coercion, intimidation and other provocative actions by China in the region,” said Kagan during his first press conference as American ambassador to Malaysia.
He said this when asked to elaborate on his country’s support of allies at war, including Ukraine and Israel, and whether a similar level of military assistance would be extended to the Philippines.
On March 28, AP quoted Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr as saying that his government would take action against what he called “dangerous attacks” by the Chinese Coast Guard and suspected militia ships in the disputed South China Sea region, saying “Filipinos do not yield.”
No use of force
At the same time, Kagan said the US government has taken a stand that territorial conflicts within the South China Sea would be best solved without resorting to the use of force.
The US strongly supports countries in the region working together to reach and agree to a code of conduct, he added.
“We have deep concern about what has happened and I think this falls in a broader context for us, on the fact that we have an Indo-Pacific strategy that is very much based on a free, open, secure and resilient Indo-Pacific.
“We do not believe in unilateral actions but we also believe that every country in the region has a right to take appropriate steps to preserve its sovereignty.
“And so we stand by the Philippines as they do that and we believe it is very important that Malaysia is also fully within its rights to do the same,” he said.
Further, Kagan said the US had in recent years prioritised its relations with formal allies in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines and Japan - established through defence treaties signed in the 1950s.
The US administration also reaffirms support for freedom of the seas and that all countries should adhere to international laws, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, he added.
“We believe that the peace and stability in the region as a whole, particularly in the South China Sea is important, not just to the US, not just for the claimant states, but for the entire world.
“Because so much of the world’s trade does pass through there,” he noted.
Looking forward, Kagan said Malaysia had played an effective role as a member of Asean, a position that will be strengthened as the country is set to take over the chair position from Indonesia next year. - Mkini
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