‘Mindef assets in disputed South China Sea area to protect M’sia’s interest’

KUALA LUMPUR – The Defence Ministry (Mindef) has placed its assets off the coast of Miri, Sarawak as part of efforts to safeguard Malaysia’s interest and rights in the South China Sea, said its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

Responding to Chinese maritime vessels in a disputed area near Malaysian waters off the coast of Sarawak, Mohamad said all three branches of the armed forces are on alert and will continue to be present in disputed areas to prevent any foreign party from exercising the “doctrine of estoppel”.

“We have put our assets there to prevent a doctrine of estoppel. This means when there is no claimant, you then place your assets in said area so you then can claim it belongs to you.

“So, we placed our assets in these areas to prevent that from happening,” he said.

Mohamad clarified that no intrusion by Chinese vessels has taken place as yet, as the area in question remains disputed by several parties.

“I would not use the word instruction yet, as it is a disputed area. 

“Parties who have a stake in the issue will continue to showcase their assets to prove their claim for these areas, and this includes Malaysia…we are taking the same action (by placing our assets) in these areas,” he said.

Mohamad was speaking to the press during a site visit to the Residensi Sateria armed forces housing project here today.

Al Jazeera reported on January 16 that China had conducted surface, air and underwater drills in the South China Sea after a United States aircraft carrier group began its operations in the area.

In recent years, China has been enforcing its “nine-dash line” in the South China Sea to claim the waters between the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam by showcasing its military might.

It has also reclaimed islands where it houses its navy and air force and claimed territorial waters on parts of the sea that do not belong to it.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) tribunal on July 12, 2016 had decided that China’s claim of historic rights over the maritime areas, as opposed to land territories and territorial waters, inside the “nine-dash line” has no lawful effect if it exceeds what is entitled to under the UNCLOS.

However, China has blatantly ignored this decision and has continued to force its presence through naval vessels. 

There have also been reports alleging threats by Chinese military vessels on fishermen of Asean countries from operating in territorial waters that rightfully belong to them. – The Vibes, January 25, 2023