17-10-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) China and Malaysia have reached a consensus on advancing “pragmatic maritime cooperation” during their inaugural bilateral dialogue focused on managing maritime issues in the contentious South China Sea. The talks, which took place on Thursday in the picturesque Malaysian resort of Langkawi, come at a time of escalating tensions between Beijing and its Southeast Asian neighbours over the disputed waters.
The high-level meeting was jointly chaired by Chinese Foreign Vice-Minister Chen Xiaodong and Nushirwan Zainal Abidin, the current director-general of Malaysia’s National Security Council and former Malaysian ambassador to Beijing. Representatives from key maritime-related departments of both nations were in attendance, underscoring the importance of the dialogue.
According to a statement from China’s foreign ministry, both sides engaged in “in-depth discussions on the current maritime situation and related issues”, ultimately reaching a consensus on promoting practical cooperation. The talks were characterised by a mutual emphasis on the value of friendly relations between the two countries.
This diplomatic engagement follows recent controversy surrounding a leaked diplomatic note from China to the Malaysian embassy, which revealed Beijing’s request for Kuala Lumpur to cease its oil and gas exploration activities in the contested South China Sea. The note specifically referred to the Luconia Shoals, an area approximately 100km off the coast of Malaysia’s Sarawak state, which is also claimed by China.
In response to these developments, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim addressed Parliament on Tuesday, asserting that the state-owned energy firm Petronas would continue its exploration efforts in the South China Sea. This stance highlights the delicate balance Malaysia is attempting to strike between asserting its sovereign rights and maintaining diplomatic ties with China.
The dialogue in Langkawi builds upon previous commitments made by both nations. During Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Malaysia in June, the two countries pledged to initiate bilateral dialogue on maritime issues “as early as possible”. This commitment traces back to a 2019 agreement to establish a consultation mechanism aimed at enhancing mutual understanding, managing differences, and safeguarding peace in the South China Sea.
As Malaysia prepares to assume the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025, the South China Sea issue is expected to feature prominently on the regional agenda
