South China Sea: Malaysia opposes ‘external forces’ meddling in disputed waters, foreign minister says in swipe at US-Philippines military exercises

Mohamad Hasan takes a veiled swipe at US-Philippines military cooperation during a meeting with China’s foreign minister in Beijing

Comments echo China’s position that dispute should be resolved among regional parties

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Visiting Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan largely echoed Beijing’s position on South China Sea issues, saying his country opposes “external forces” in the region. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 10:00pm, 25 Apr 2024Updated: 10:56pm, 25 Apr 2024

Malaysia’s foreign minister said on Thursday that his country opposes “external forces” meddling in the South China Sea.

Speaking during a meeting in Beijing with Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, Mohamad Hasan said foreign interference in the region was not welcomed.

Hasan was in Beijing for the 50th anniversary celebration of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China, according to a statement issued by China’s foreign ministry.

Malaysia is one of several nations with overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea, and the minister’s comments largely echoed China’s long-held position that the dispute should be resolved among regional parties and “external forces” should not be involved.

According to the Chinese readout, Wang praised Malaysia as “an important member of Asean [the Association of Southeast Asian Nations], a representative of emerging economies, and a positive and stable force in the Muslim world”, and he promised that China would improve coordination with Malaysia and stand up and speak for the interests of the Global South on the international stage.

The readout also said both men discussed strengthening economic cooperation and exchanged views on international issues.