[Reuters, Kuala Lumpur, 17]-Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin expressed the view that the military power of the Navy needs to be strengthened in preparation for a possible collision in the South China Sea.
As for the South China Sea, the US Navy destroyer sailed in the waters around the Xisha (English name: Paracel) Islands, where China claims sovereignty, and tensions are growing. [nL3N2642AR]
Foreign minister Saifudin said in parliament that it would be possible to protest if a large country invades the Malaysian territory, but it would be disadvantaged in the event of a collision if the naval and maritime capabilities were not sufficient.
The foreign minister said the Chinese Navy has been active almost 24 hours around the South Reconia Reef off Sarawak, eastern Malaysia, and the military assets of the Malaysian Navy may not even reach the Chinese Navy.
“I don't want a (collision) to happen, but we need to strengthen our assets in order to improve the management capabilities of the Malaysian waters when major powers collide in the South China Sea,” he said.
The foreign minister also expressed that Malaysia will continue to promote the demilitarization of the South China Sea and call on the Southeast Asian Union (ASEAN) to unite in dealing with China and the United States.
