Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia has no diplomatic negotiations with China regarding Beting Patinggi Ali, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin explained that this is because Beting Patinggi Ali is clearly within Malaysia's maritime territory, as defined in the New Malaysia Map 1979.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, as ASEAN Chair this year, the South China Sea issue is indeed one of Malaysia's main focuses. However, Beting Patinggi Ali is not among the matters under negotiation because it is undoubtedly within Malaysia's territory. It is located within Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), approximately 84 nautical miles away. The EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles, and since this area is clearly under Malaysia's jurisdiction, there is nothing that requires negotiation.

Mohamad elaborated that negotiations are being conducted for areas beyond 200 nautical miles through ASEAN platforms, including efforts to finalise the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. Malaysia is leveraging its ASEAN Chairmanship, its role as the implementing country and co-chair of ASEAN-China discussions, and its position as a co-chair in the working committee to finalise the COC.

Several key meetings, both ongoing and previously held, have been conducted to discuss the matter. These meetings took place in Bali, Bangkok, Vientiane, and China. These efforts are aimed at finalising the COC, which will serve as a guideline not only for ASEAN countries but also for nations outside ASEAN that must adhere to the agreed COC.

However, Mohamad emphasised that in negotiating the COC, Malaysia will not compromise its national sovereignty.