“The map has no binding effect on Malaysia,” Wisma Putra said in a statement.

“Malaysia is of the view that issues relating to the South China Sea are complex and sensitive in nature.

“These issues therefore, must be managed in a peaceful and rational manner through dialogue and consultations in accordance with the provisions of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982).”

The foreign ministry reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to continue working with all parties in ensuring the full and effective implementation of the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).

“Malaysia further remains committed towards the negotiations of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), as well as its expeditious conclusion.”

It also said Malaysia remains consistent in rejecting any claims on the nation’s maritime areas which is based on the 1979 map of Malaysia.

Yesterday, Beijing reportedly published its official standard map of China for 2023, which also included parts of India as coming under China.

Maritime areas within Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone near Sabah and Sarawak were included, as well as areas belonging to Brunei, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

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