Malaysia summons China's ambassador over ships in the South China Sea

Malaysia claims Chinese ships invaded its exclusive economic zone off the coast of Borneo, including a survey vessel.

Malaysia has summoned China's ambassador to express its displeasure over Chinese vessels' "presence and actions" in Kuala Lumpur's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, off the coast of Borneo.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed late Monday that Chinese vessels, including a survey boat, were operating off the shores of the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak in violation of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

It did not specify the number of ships involved or the date of the occurrence.

Malaysia's constant position and actions are in defence of our sovereignty and sovereign rights in our waters, according to the statement.
“Malaysia had also challenged earlier encroachments on our waterways by other foreign vessels.”

Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei all claim parts of the South China Sea off their coasts, while China claims practically the entire territory under the so-called nine-dash line, which was found invalid by an international court in 2016.

Beijing has increased its actions in the disputed areas in recent years, including the construction of artificial islands, the establishment of military outposts on rocky outcrops and islets, and the deployment of massive fishing fleets and ships from its maritime militia.