Malaysia stands firm against China’s oil exploration demands in South China Sea

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has firmly rejected China's demands to cease oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, asserting that these activities are within Malaysia's territorial rights. The disputed area near Luconia Shoals, approximately 62 miles from Sarawak, is claimed by both Malaysia and China, with Malaysia referring to it as Gugusan Beting Raja Jarum. Anwar emphasized that the exploration is not intended to provoke China, highlighting Malaysia's commitment to securing economic advantages in its own waters. The Prime Minister acknowledged that this is not the first instance of China protesting Malaysia's activities, reiterating that Malaysia's position is clear: the exploration does not infringe on Chinese territory. He expressed a desire to maintain a good relationship with China while standing firm on Malaysia's rights. Anwar's comments came during a televised press conference, where he also mentioned the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes. In response to the situation, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry has initiated an investigation into the leak of a diplomatic note from China, which they consider a breach of classified information. The ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea involve multiple nations, with China asserting extensive claims that overlap with the exclusive economic zones of several countries, including Malaysia. An international tribunal previously ruled in favor of the Philippines against China's claims, but Beijing has refused to acknowledge this ruling. The situation remains tense, as Malaysia continues its exploration efforts while navigating its relationship with China and addressing the broader implications of territorial claims in the region.