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Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – China called on all Southeast Asian countries that are members of ASEAN to join together to eliminate so-called ‘external interference’ in the South China Sea (SCS).
This was expressed by China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during his visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in a series of travel agendas to various ASEAN countries.
“We share the view that the SCS should not be a place for great powers to fight warships,” Wang was quoted as saying. Reuters, Thursday (10/14/2020).
“China and ASEAN have the ability, full discretion and responsibility to maintain peace and calm in the South China Sea.”
This comment was made by Wang amid the increasingly heated situation in the SCS between China and the United States. China claims 80% of the rich ocean area and is at odds with several ASEAN countries, including Malaysia.
This brings the United States in in the name of freedom of navigation and protects its allies, including the Philippines. As is known, the Philippines and China are arguing about the Spratly Islands, Scarborough Shoal and Fiery Cross Reef.
Wang described the US strategy in the Pacific as security risks. He said the United States often had an old-fashioned cold war mentality and started clashes between different groups and blocs.
“(This) triggers geopolitical competition,” he said.
“I am sure that all parties see this clearly and will remain vigilant.”
Meanwhile, the Malaysian foreign minister said the dispute in the SCS should be resolved amicably through regional dialogue. Malaysia itself, last week detained Chinese boats and arrested 60 fishermen who entered its waters.
During the meeting with China, Beijing pledged to buy 1.7 million tonnes of palm oil from Malaysia by 2023. It even promised to encourage increased shipments of sustainably produced palm oil.
Rich sea
LCS is a sea rich in natural resources. The LCS has one third of the total marine diversity in the world, which contributes to 10% of the total fish catch on planet earth.
According to the CFR, there are about 900 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the LCS. The American Security Project establishes that gas reserves in the LCS reach 266 billion cubic feet and represent 60% – 70% of the total hydrocarbon reserves of the territory.
Meanwhile, LCS oil reserves reached 7.7 billion barrels. Other estimates put the amount at 213 billion barrels or nearly 80% of Saudi Arabia’s oil reserves.
China and the US are reported to indicate that various foreign outlets often increase military activity in the SCS. China conducts military exercises in the Paracels, while the United States often uses fighter jets to monitor the SCS.
(Head to head)
