Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein. (Photo: EPA/VNA)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein hasemphasised the solidarity ofASEAN countries in solving disputes in the East Sea.
The FM was speaking in the parliament on August 5, answering questions fromMembers of Parliament (MPs) on the status of China’s demands for territory inthe East Sea and how this impacts Malaysia’s security and sovereignty.
He said his ministry is keen on resolving the disputeconstructively through appropriate diplomatic negotiations.
He emphasised theimportance of ensuring ASEAN’s solidarity in solving territorial disputes inthe East Sea with China.
On July 16, theFM affirmed Malaysia is consistent thatparties should work together to ensure peace, security and stability in theEast Sea.
In a pressrelease on Malaysia’s stance on the July 13 statement of US Secretary of StateMike Pompeo on the territorial issue, Hishamuddin stressed that Malaysia wouldcontinue to play an active role in ensuring that the East Sea remains a sea ofpeace and trade.
Mattersrelating to the East Sea must be resolved peacefully based on the universallyrecognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United NationsConvention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), he said.
Malaysia looksforward to continuing the discussions to conclude an effective and substantiveCode of Conduct in the East Sea that would encompass elements which reflect the rights and interests of allparties, he stated./.
Indonesia has expressed concern over escalating tensions in the East Sea and urged China to obey international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to settle disputes.
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Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein. (Photo: EPA/VNA)
