Malaysia urges ASEAN unity on South China Sea tensions, stressing collective approach to regional security challenges.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has reiterated that growing tensions and acts of aggression in the South China Sea should be treated as a collective concern for ASEAN rather than the responsibility of any single member state.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that the most effective approach to addressing regional security challenges was through unity, dialogue and mutual trust among ASEAN member countries.
He emphasised that while Malaysia cannot control how other countries behave, the principle remains that ASEAN members must come together.
“We believe that through unity, we can discuss our differences,” he said during a press conference after a walkabout at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in conjunction with the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting 2025.
Mohamed Khaled stressed that trust-building must occur not only within ASEAN but also between the regional bloc and its external partners.
He explained that Malaysia’s current defence framework acknowledges the reality of regional security challenges.
The minister added that ASEAN nations must demonstrate unity and a common position in responding to issues related to the South China Sea.
“Challenges faced by ASEAN states in this region are problems that must be shared and managed collectively by all ASEAN members,” he said.
He reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to peaceful engagement and regional cooperation through ASEAN mechanisms to maintain stability, security and freedom of navigation in the vital waterway.
The 19th ADMM and the 12th ADMM-Plus will commence tomorrow and continue until November 2 with participation from eight dialogue partners including the United States, Russia, Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. – Bernama
