Illustrative image (Photo: AFP)
The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called in Ambassador of China Ouyang Yujing to convey Malaysia’s position and protest against the presence and activities of Chinese vessels in its waters.
In its press release on October 4, the ministry expressed the country's objection to the presence and activities of these vessels, including a survey vessel, in Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone off the coasts of Sabak and Sarawak.
It said the act is inconsistent with Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1984 as well as the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“Malaysia’s consistent position and actions are based on international law, in defence of our sovereignty and sovereign rights in our waters”, the statement said, adding that Malaysia’s national interests will remain of paramount importance.
According to the ministry, Kuala Lumpur had protested against the previous encroachments by other foreign vessels into its waters.
It reiterated that all matters relating to the East Sea must be resolved peacefully and constructively, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS./.
VNA
