China Supports Formulation Of Code Of Conduct In South China Sea - Khaled

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 (Bernama) —  China has reaffirmed its strong support for the establishment of a Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea, underscoring its commitment to ensuring lasting stability, peace, and shared prosperity in the region, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He said the stance was conveyed by China’s Minister of National Defence, Admiral Dong Jun, during an informal luncheon between ASEAN and China held on the sidelines of the ongoing ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus here.

“Admiral Dong stated clearly that China supports the formulation of the CoC on the South China Sea, and we look forward to that. As you are aware, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is leading the effort to see that the code materialises,” he said at a daily press conference at ADMM here today.

The proposed CoC for the South China Sea is widely regarded as a legally binding framework designed to safeguard regional peace, manage overlapping territorial claims, and avert potential conflicts among claimant nations, including the Philippines, he said.

Mohamed Khaled said both ASEAN and China reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening the ASEAN–China partnership, emphasising that sustained cooperation is vital to maintaining a secure, stable, and prosperous Southeast Asian region for all member states.

He added that ASEAN viewed China not only as a key partner but also as a critical promoter of global prosperity, responsible for promoting peace, security and economic growth in the region.

“In our dialogue, I emphasised that China’s pursuit of prosperity must go hand in hand with peace and stability. It is also the responsibility of China, as a major power, to uphold international law and avoid actions that could lead to conflict,” he said.

He emphasised that ASEAN hopes China will continue to play a constructive and responsible role in preserving regional peace and stability, while upholding the sovereignty of its neighbouring states and fostering greater cooperation among regional nations.

The informal engagement was part of a series of dialogues convened in conjunction with the 19th ADMM and the 12th ADMM-Plus, scheduled to run until Nov 2.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces chief Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar said Malaysia continues to monitor the presence of foreign vessels within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“There are always vessels in the EEZ. We manage the situation, either through diplomatic notes or by our own means. So far, we have been able to handle it effectively, so there is no need to be overly concerned.

“In defence, we are developing agreements for bilateral training and equipment procurement. The presence of Chinese vessels does not affect our military relations,” he said when met here today.

-- BERNAMA