No violations in Chinese navy visit to Penang – foreign minister

PARLIAMENT | Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has stressed that national regulations, including diplomatic procedures, have not been violated following the recent visit of Chinese military vessels to Penang Port.

Mohamad said that the Defence Ministry had approved the two Chinese naval ships’ visit to Penang.

“A diplomatic request from the Chinese Embassy was clearly made, requesting to visit a school with a Confucianism teaching background, among other activities.

“This was handled by the security forces, and if there is any violation of what was requested, it will be investigated.

“But so far, it is clear that everything requested in the diplomatic application did not breach any national regulations,” he said in response to a supplementary question from Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) in the Dewan Rakyat today.

On Oct 5, two Chinese naval vessels, including a naval training ship, docked in Penang as part of a three-day goodwill visit.

Chinese navy cadets also visited the Chung Ling Independent High School, photos of which caused an uproar on alleged pandering to China amid ongoing disputes with the country over territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Critics also questioned what some claimed to be an extravagant welcome for the Chinese navy after lion dancers were photographed welcoming the sailors. The Chinese navy’s band also performed.

Mohamad, however, denied that the reception was extravagant.

“Regarding the so-called extraordinary celebration, we don’t consider it an extravagant celebration but a lively one held by the Penang state government.

“This was in line with celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China,” he said.

South China Sea issue

On the conflict in the South China Sea, Mohamad stressed that Malaysia plays a vital role at the international level as the Asean-China Dialogue Relations Coordinator for three years, from August 2024 to July 2027.

“As the coordinating country, Malaysia’s role includes co-chairing negotiations with China on drafting the code of conduct (COC).

“Malaysia is committed to ensuring that if agreed upon, the COC will be an effective and substantive document to address issues related to the South China Sea.

“Malaysia will always ensure that the negotiated COC does not in any way undermine the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights and interests,” he said.

The minister was responding to a question from Andy Muhammad Suryandy Bandi (BN-Kalabakan).

“In the context of handling issues in the South China Sea, I want to emphasise that national sovereignty and interests are always the core considerations in every action taken,” Mohamad added.

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