PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and China have emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and resolving issues through a peaceful manner, said Wisma Putra.
In a joint statement issued in conjunction with Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit, the Foreign Ministry said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means and in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).
"They expressed concern over actions that could escalate tensions and agreed to work closely with Asean Member States to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC), while looking forward to concluding an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) by 2026," said the Foreign Ministry's communication and public diplomacy division said in a statement on Thursday (April 17).
The joint statement reiterated both sides’ strong support for Asean Centrality and the principles outlined in the Asean Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
"China welcomed Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship in 2025 and expressed support for Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen Asean-led mechanisms and promote a peaceful, open, and inclusive regional architecture," said the statement.
At the multilateral level, Wisma Putra both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter and to enhancing cooperation under the United Nations, WTO, WHO, and BRICS.
"They agreed to work together to promote international law, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and advance peace, justice, and shared prosperity.
"China welcomed Malaysia as a BRICS partner and pledged support for its deeper participation in BRICS cooperation," it added.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, both countries called for the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire agreement and reaffirmed that Gaza is an inalienable part of the territory of Palestine.
"They expressed grave concern over the humanitarian situation and stressed that ‘the Palestinians governing Palestine’ must remain a guiding principle in any post-conflict governance.
"Malaysia and China reiterated their strong support for the two-state solution and called for Palestine’s full membership in the UN, underscoring the urgent need for justice, dignity, and peace for the Palestinian people," said the joint statement.
