Malaysian PM echoes Beijing's call for joint development in South China Sea
Malaysian PM says it's better to share prosperity rather than row over South China Sea resources
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak appeared to side with Beijing as he called for claimants in the South China Sea to jointly develop resources to avoid conflict and prevent "extra-regional states" from becoming involved.
Najib cited a joint development zone in waters claimed by Thailand and Malaysia as a precedent that could be applied in the South China Sea.
We should seek the common ground needed for an amicable understanding
"Agreeing to share prosperity, rather than let it divide us, is infinitely preferable to the alternative," Najib said in Kuala Lumpur.
Vietnam and the Philippines reject China's push for joint development in the waters, part of which are also claimed by Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. The US, Japan and the Philippines advocate international arbitration instead of joint development of the oil, gas and fishing industries.
Najib said a code of conduct for operating in the waters would be a good start to prevent tensions from escalating. He warned that involving unspecified "extra-regional states" may "add yet another layer of complexity to the dispute".
"For Asian nations, this problem is ours to solve," Najib said. "Should we stray from the path of dialogue and co-operation, we may pave the way for other parties to take remedial action to protect the freedom of navigation and safe passage."