 "Malaysia, Australia, and Japan hit back over Beijing's bullying in South China Sea")
The South China Sea region remains a flashpoint, with neighbouring nations asserting their rights in defiance of Beijing’s expansive maritime claims.
China is facing increasing resistance from multiple countries over its actions in the South China Sea, with recent pushback over its treatment of the Philippines and attempts to dissuade Malaysia from oil and gas exploration in contested waters.
Response to China-Philippines tensions
China has repeatedly clashed with the Philippines in the South China Sea, where Beijing’s construction of artificial islands and militarisation of outposts have raised alarm.
Analysts believe that these ongoing confrontations between China and the Philippines could escalate, especially given Manila’s mutual defence treaty with the United States, which could draw Washington into the conflict if hostilities intensify.
In a joint statement issued after a meeting of their foreign and defence ministers in Queenscliff on Thursday (September 5), Australia and Japan expressed concern over China’s increasing assertiveness in the region, particularly its treatment of Manila.
“We expressed serious concerns over recent developments in the South China Sea, including an intensification of China’s dangerous and coercive activities towards the Philippines, which have occurred with high frequency,” the statement said.
Malaysia pushes back over oil exploration
Meanwhile, Malaysia has stood firm against China’s efforts to halt its oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made it clear on Thursday that Malaysia will continue its resource extraction activities within its exclusive economic zone, despite Beijing’s opposition.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“What we did in terms of oil exploration is certainly within our waters,” Anwar said while traveling in Russia. His comments followed the publication of a leaked diplomatic note in which China accused Malaysia of encroaching on Chinese territory and demanded that Petronas, Malaysia’s state-run oil firm, stop all operations off the coast of Sarawak state on Borneo island.
Anwar stressed that Malaysia’s actions are crucial for the country’s economic survival, indicating that exploration would not stop.
Although Malaysia is open to discussions with China, Anwar made it clear that the country’s oil exploration activities would continue. “China is a great friend, but we will of course have to operate in our waters and secure economic advantage, including drilling for oil, in our territory.”
The leaked diplomatic note published by Inquirer.net has caused a stir, however, the content has not been denied.
With inputs from agencies
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