On Tuesday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said China had expressed concern about Malaysian energy company Petronas, which is conducting business in the South China Sea. Both China and Malaysia claim that territory. Anwar has also indicated that he is open to negotiations with China, which has drawn criticism from the opposition.
The Malaysian Ministry of External Affairs released a statement today interpreting Anwar’s comment. For example, the negotiations are said to be primarily aimed at avoiding possible conflicts with China without affecting Malaysia’s position. “The Malaysian government is keen to protect sovereignty, such as sovereign rights and assets in maritime areas,” the ministry said.
3 trillion dollars
China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, through which more than $3 trillion worth of goods pass each year. Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also claim some portions.
The Petronas oil company has oil and gas fields within the Malaysian economic zone and has come into contact with Chinese vessels several times in recent years. Especially since China sees an area of more than 1,500 from the mainland as its own. In doing so, China violates the economic zones of the aforementioned countries.