PUTRAJAYA, Oct 5 — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra) called in China’s ambassador on Monday to convey Malaysia’s position and protest against the presence and activities of Chinese vessels, including a survey vessel, in Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone off the coasts of Sabah and Sarawak.
In a statement issued late Monday, Wisma Putra said the presence and activities of these vessels were inconsistent with Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1984, as well as the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“Malaysia’s consistent position and actions are based on international law, in defence of our sovereignty and sovereign rights in our waters,” the statement said.
Malaysia had also protested against the previous encroachments by other foreign vessels into our waters.
In determining Malaysia’s position and course of action with regard to the South China Sea issue, which is complex and involves inter-State relations, Malaysia’s national interests will remain of paramount importance, the statement said.
Malaysia reiterates that all matters relating to the South China Sea must be resolved peacefully and constructively, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
— Bernama
