August 13, 2012
KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia’s foreign minister urged Southeast Asian countries on Sunday to settle their overlapping claims in the South China Sea before bringing them up with Beijing.
Anifah Aman’s comments, following an hour-long meeting with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi, imply that Malaysia wants ASEAN to present a more united front against an increasingly assertive China.
Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), have overlapping claims in the resource-rich sea, as does Taiwan. China claims sovereignty over almost all of it. Anifah said a repeat of confrontation, such as a June standoff between Philippine and Chinese ships over Scarborough Shoal, should be avoided. “We are confident we can resolve this matter. China is also earnest in its desire in finding solutions. This issue can be settled through peaceful means,” he told reporters. “There are overlapping claims by member countries. Let us discuss these among ASEAN countries first before we talk to China,” he added.
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