KUALA LUMPUR: Asean must stand united in upholding the Code of Conduct (COC) on the South China Sea and treat the issue as a regional matter rather than addressing it bilaterally.
Malaysian Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar said that the COC was among the key issues discussed during the 22nd Asean Chiefs of Defence Forces Meeting (ACDFM) held here on Wednesday (Sept 10).
"As individual nations, we are small, but as Asean, we have a voice. Whatever affects the Philippines, for example, should also carry weight for all of us.
"Asean must abide by the COC as a rule of law to protect collective interests in the South China Sea and until the code is fully recognised, we will continue to ensure freedom of navigation in the region," he said during a joint press conference with Philippines Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen Romeo Brawner Jr after the meeting.
Brawner Jr, meanwhile, welcomed Malaysia's renewed push to put the matter on the Asean agenda.
"For the longest time, the Philippines has been pushing for the code. We are very pleased that in this year's meeting, Gen Nizam raised it again for discussion," he said.
He noted that Asean defence chiefs would continue deliberations on the matter at upcoming meetings in Manila next year, adding that the COC must be respected not only by Asean but also by all countries operating in the region.
In July, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Asean welcomed the progress made on the COC and expressed hope for continued positive momentum. – Bernama
