Malaysia’s Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein. (Source: EPA/VNA) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Malaysia’s Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein on December 18 urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to band together in the East Sea issue so as to prevent major powers from dictating regional politics.
“Alone, we cannot face them, but as a coalition of 10 countries, I am confident that even China cannot take us lightly or ignore our stand,” the Singaporean news website Todayonline quoted the minister as saying.
ASEAN member states should also take action to prevent tension in the region, he added.
Malaysia remains firmly against the escalating deployment of military assets in disputed territories in the East Sea, the Malaysian minister said, adding that the Royal Malaysian Navy needs to increase monitoring activities to prevent incidents involving fishermen or maritime authorities in the region to ensure the region is safe and stable, and free from geopolitical considerations of superpowers.-VNA
