KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): China has commended Malaysia for its constructive role in advancing negotiations on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, with the talks now entering a critical stage.
China's Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing said China and Malaysia had maintained close communication and jointly advanced negotiations on the COC, which would provide an institutional guarantee for long-term peace and stability in the disputed waters.
"China commends Malaysia for its constructive role as co-chair of the mechanism on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," he said during a media briefing here on Tuesday.
He was responding to a question on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's statement that Malaysia would push forward negotiations on the COC.
Ouyang said that since last year, China and Malaysia have maintained effective communication on maritime issues and actively explored ways to advance maritime cooperation through the bilateral dialogue on the management of maritime issues in the South China Sea.
He noted that the negotiations had entered a critical stage and all parties hoped to complete them as scheduled.
Various ASEAN leaders have voiced hopes for the South China Sea COC to be finalised this year.
"China will continue to remain confident, work with all parties including Malaysia, eliminate interference, seek common ground while managing differences, and advance COC negotiations to provide a solid institutional guarantee for lasting peace and stability in the South China Sea," he said.
The ambassador also said bilateral ties were currently at their strongest level, following President Xi Jinping's state visit to Malaysia last year.
He noted that high-level exchanges had reached a new record over the past year, citing Premier Li Qiang's two visits to Malaysia and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's fourth visit to China since taking office.
According to Ouyang, the close engagement between the leaders of both countries has strengthened political mutual trust and expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.
-- BERNAMA
