China has expressed appreciation for Malaysia's active involvement in advancing negotiations on a Code of Conduct (COC) governing the disputed South China Sea, with discussions now reaching a pivotal phase in their development.
During a media briefing in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, China's Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing acknowledged the country's constructive participation as co-chair of the mechanism overseeing implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. He indicated that Beijing and Kuala Lumpur have maintained robust dialogue channels on maritime matters and worked together to progress the talks, which are intended to establish a lasting framework for regional security.
Outstanding differences have been set aside through ongoing bilateral discussions focused on managing maritime issues in the disputed waters, according to the ambassador. His remarks came in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent commitment to accelerate the negotiation process. Ouyang underscored that the talks have reached a stage requiring sustained commitment from all involved parties, with completion targeted for this calendar year—a goal that has also drawn support from various ASEAN capitals.
China has pledged to persist in collaborative efforts with all participants, including Malaysia, to resolve outstanding matters and move negotiations forward productively, the ambassador stated. The country remains committed to establishing institutional mechanisms that would guarantee enduring stability across the waterway, he added.
Bilateral relations between China and Malaysia have expanded significantly, particularly following President Xi Jinping's state visit to Malaysia in the previous year. High-level contacts have reached unprecedented levels, with Premier Li Qiang conducting two visits to Malaysia and Prime Minister Anwar making four separate trips to China since assuming office. These frequent exchanges have deepened political confidence and broadened collaborative initiatives spanning multiple domains, Ouyang noted.
