Malaysian Expert: Transparency and Openness Are Key to Cooperation and Resolving the South China Sea Issue
- CAobservation
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
In an exclusive interview with China-ASEAN Observer (COA), Salawati Mat Basir, a professor at the Faculty of Law of the National University of Malaysia, stated that a unilateral approach cannot resolve the South China Sea issue. She emphasized that ASEAN countries should maintain good relations with China, seek peace and stability through multilateral dialogue, and ease disputes and promote joint development without undermining the sovereignty of any party.
Do you worry that external forces might ‘instrumentalize’ the South China Sea issue?
Salawati Mat Basir: We can see frequent incidents between the Chinese military and Australia, New Zealand, the US. This is normal given multiple claims in the region and sudden external attention. Such situations make China highly alert and further escalate the issue, which is not a good sign.
Many countries blame China for being aggressive, but China’s firm stance stems from concerns over external disturbance and intervention, which in turn creates more problems. ASEAN should play a greater role in controlling the situation.
What impact will the China-ASEAN cooperation in the South China Sea have on the regional power structure?
Salawati Mat Basir: Well, I think ASEAN has become the pivot in handling the South China Sea situation.
Now the development of the South China Sea issue involves not only China and claimant states, but also the US, the European Union, Canada and other Western countries. I am quite surprised at their involvement, as I question their connection to the South China Sea.
The South China Sea is rich in untapped oil and gas resources, which drives external forces to seek interests here, driven by wealth, money and power rather than regional prosperity.
Therefore, it is crucial for ASEAN and all claimant states to maintain good relations with China and pursue peace and stability through multilateral dialogue. Unilateral efforts will not work since all parties claim the same waters. We need to ease and resolve the dispute without hurting any party, or at least promote joint development without harming each country’s sovereignty, through direct negotiations free from external interference.
What innovative ways of cooperation ASEAN countries and China can adopt to strengthen cooperation in the region?
Salawati Mat Basir: China has already launched one-on-one talks with claimant states for joint development, with the first round held in Malaysia.
We must be careful that any cooperation does not touch upon each other’s sovereignty, as sovereignty issues will hinder cooperation. China is promoting MOUs on development, which Malaysia will carefully review. We will be frank about any dissatisfaction.
It is better to hold open meetings among all claimants than to keep silent, which causes unease. China and the four ASEAN claimant states should sit down to discuss the reality, voice their opinions, and enhance transparency, which is essential.
What non-traditional security factors can become new growth points for cooperation in the South China Sea issue?
Salawati Mat Basir: Yes. We have the BBNJ Agreement and the High Seas Agreement, and Malaysia is considering accession. These are positive developments driven by climate change and regional realities.
Some accuse China of artificial island construction and military deployment, but climate change is a global issue irrelevant to such accusations. Any climate crisis or disaster in the South China Sea will affect all coastal countries.
While striving for a consensus-based agreement, we must not neglect climate change and other non-traditional security issues, which may also hinder mutual trust and cooperation.
What do you think the most feasible way in terms of cooperation?
Salawati Mat Basir: I think China has done a very good job in contacting and engaging all claimant states to build collaboration.
It is a fact that all parties seek the resources in the South China Sea, and everyone pursues fairness. China has realized that procrastination will not solve the problem, while joint efforts bring hope.
I believe China’s current approach—engaging all claimant states, being frank, and exploring solutions acceptable to all parties—is the right way. We must avoid war, which is definitely not what ASEAN and Malaysia want.
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