KUALA LUMPUR: Asean must stand united in upholding the Code of Conduct (COC) on the South China Sea and treat the matter as a regional issue rather than addressing it bilaterally.
Malaysian Chief of Defence Force Jen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar said the COC was among the key topics discussed during the 22nd Asean Chiefs of Defence Forces Meeting held here yesterday, Bernama reported.
“As individual nations, we are small, but as Asean, we have a voice. Whatever affects the Philippines, for example, should also matter to all of us.
“Asean must abide by the COC as a rule of law to protect our collective interests in the South China Sea. Until the code is fully recognised, we will continue to ensure freedom of navigation in the region,” he said at a joint press conference with Philippines Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen Romeo Brawner Jr after the meeting.
Brawner welcomed Malaysia’s renewed push to place the matter firmly 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, Jen Nizam raised it again for discussion,” he said.
