The Malaysian government has rejected the “2023 Edition of the Standard Map of China” released by the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China on Monday (28 August) and stressed that the map is in no way binding on our country.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our country iterated that it has consistently rejected claims of sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction by any foreign party over maritime features or areas in Malaysia.
The aforementioned 2023 map by China shows China’s unilateral maritime claim over the South China Sea, encroaching on Malaysia’s maritime area in Sabah and Sarawak based on the New Map of Malaysia 1979.
Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir elaborated that the South China Sea issue is a complex and sensitive matter but stressed that China’s claim is unacceptable, especially as we celebrate our 66th Merdeka Day.
Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir
He added,
“Wisma Putra will make all efforts to protect Malaysia from any claims over our nation’s sovereignty.”
Moreover, the issue needs to be handled peacefully and rationally through dialogue and negotiations based on the provisions of international law.
Accordingly, as reported by Harian Metro, Zambry today revealed that our country will issue an objection note to China against the latter’s unilateral claims.
So, what do you guys think of the whole situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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