Zahid slams China’s encroachment near Sabah

DPM questions maritime claims of 'regional superpower' and harassment of fishermen

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia has dismissed China’s claim to vast areas of the South China Sea and criticised its activities in land reclamation and building facilities on atolls close to Sabah.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, without naming China, said Malaysia would not remain silent at the encroachment into her exclusive economic zone, and would not hesitate to defend what rightfully belonged to the nation under international law.

China has laid claim to a vast expanse of the South China Sea and has carried out land reclamation creating artificial islands near the Spratly Islands. Its territorial claims are being disputed by Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan. The United States has protested against China’s activities as interfering with the right of free passage.

Zahid, speaking at the Parti Bersatu Sabah congress here, said “a regional superpower” had encroached into Malaysia’s territory by constructing airstrips, jetties and other facilities on three atolls just 155km (84 nautical miles) from Sabah, according to Star Online.

“We have a country that is building 3km-long airstrips and port facilities, supposedly for its coast guard. Does this make sense when that country’s mainland is more than 3,000kms away?” Zahid was quoted as saying.

He questioned the country’s motives of building the facilities 3,218km from its mainland adding “To claim this part of the South China Sea as theirs due to historical narrative is invalid,” he said, according to the report.

He urged “authorities from other countries” to respect international law and not harass Malaysian fishermen operating within the nation’s EEZ.

Malaysian fishermen have complained of being chased away by vessels of China’s coast guard, and the foreign ministry has said that diplomatic protests had been lodged to no avail.

Zahid said the current situation in the South China Sea should be resolved through a proper code of conduct. The international community should step in and assist disputes arising in the South China Sea.

He said PBS and other political parties and other Malaysian organisations should oppose the move by any nation to encroach into the nation’s territory.

Zahid urged PBS delegates to adopt a resolution opposing any encroachment into Malaysian territory.