Kuala lumpur: ASEAN has urged all parties involved in the South China Sea dispute to exercise ‘wisdom and prudence’ in managing the situation within the strategic waterway to prevent any escalation of geopolitical tensions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan emphasized the growing fragility of global peace, urging ASEAN to intensify its efforts to maintain regional peace and stability. During his opening remarks at the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with China, held alongside the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings, he highlighted the importance of ensuring that tensions do not threaten security and global trade in the South China Sea.

China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, led the Chinese delegation at this high-level meeting, which took place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Mohamad noted ASEAN’s satisfaction with the progress on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) and expressed hope for continued positive developments. He conveyed confidence that with the full commitment of all negotiation parties, an effective and substantive COC could be concluded in the near future.

Addressing global concerns on nuclear weapons, Mohamad welcomed China’s willingness to be the first Nuclear Weapon State (NWS) to sign and ratify the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty without reservations. He viewed this as a significant step forward, showcasing China’s leadership and commitment to a nuclear weapon-free Southeast Asia.

As the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, Malaysia is dedicated to collaborating with all ASEAN member states and China to further strengthen the partnership and deliver tangible benefits to the people.