Malaysia Calls for Probe into Leak of Diplomatic Note from China on South China Sea Dispute

Malaysia's Foreign Ministry has urged a police investigation into a leaked diplomatic note from China concerning the South China Sea dispute. Published by a Filipino media outlet, the note demanded Malaysia halt activities in an oil-rich maritime area. Malaysia and China remain committed to peaceful settlements.

Malaysia's Foreign Ministry urged a police investigation on Wednesday into a leaked diplomatic note from China over the South China Sea dispute.

The ministry said a February 18 note from China's Foreign Ministry to the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing was published by a Filipino media outlet on August 29. While it didn't detail the note's contents, it alluded to the ongoing South China Sea tensions.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that Beijing demanded Malaysia halt all activities in an oil-rich maritime area off Sarawak state on Borneo island. It accused Malaysia of encroaching on areas claimed by China's controversial 10-dash line map.

Malaysia's Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed grave concern over the leak, calling for a police investigation and an internal review of the breach. Unlike the Philippines, Malaysia prefers diplomatic channels over public confrontations with China, partly due to their economic ties.

Despite the tension, Malaysia and China are committed to peaceful settlements. Last month, they began a three-year co-chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)