Anwar said the South China Sea issue should not be “that contentious” and discussing with other Asean countries that also stake claim in it should be seen as a way to resolve the differences. theSun theSundaily SouthChinaSea claim ASEAN Malaysia
: There is neither an easy solution for the overlapping territorial claims in South China Sea nor the problem is not insurmountable as long as there is dialogue, said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in an interview with China Daily, during his visit to China last week.
“I believe that there is no easy solution to that problem. As we think each other as friends, we continue to have dialogue, this problem is not insurmountable. In the interview, Anwar also highlighted that the Southeast Asian region should continue be led by Asean with its policy of neutrality and as a zone of peace, while having good relations with all countries.
“I also say no to AUKUS. We have a special concern on that as this may escalate tension in the region. Otherwise our position is same,” he said referring to the trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States created to counter China’s growing influence in the region.On economy, Anwar said he hoped the visit to China would chart new opportunities for more trade with China.