More recently, Beijing has angered its Southeast Asian neighbors and caused consternation in Washington and Tokyo by creating artificial islands in the potentially mineral-rich waters, with harbors and runways fit for military use. Malaysia has generally adopted a cautious line in its dealings with Beijing over disputed territory in the South China Sea, in contrast to other claimants Vietnam and the Philippines, which have railed against perceived Chinese expansionism.īut two Chinese naval exercises in quick succession around the James Shoal, which lies inside Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone, prompted Kuala Lumpur to change its approach last year, senior diplomats have previously told Reuters. Shahidan could not immediately be reached for comment. In this case, we’re taking diplomatic action,” Shahidan was quoted as saying in the report on Monday. “This is not an area with overlapping claims. The shoals are inside the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone claimed by Malaysia and about 2,000 kms from mainland China, he said, adding that any foreign vessels entering the area were “intruders.”
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