Malaysia is pushing ahead with oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, despite constant pressure from Chinese vessels in the disputed waters, a recent report reveals.
China’s coastguard ships have been consistently present in Malaysia’s claimed waters, but Malaysia has not only maintained its oil and gas operations but also expanded exploratory activities, according to the Washington-based Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.
The Chinese vessels have focused their presence near Luconia Shoals, where major Malaysian oil and gas projects are located. This comes after a leaked diplomatic letter showed China urging Malaysia to halt its offshore activities near Luconia Shoals.
Despite the pressure, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized Malaysia’s right to operate in its waters and secure economic advantages, including oil drilling in its territory, during a visit to Russia.