KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — In response to the recent unauthorized disclosure of a diplomatic communication, Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry has announced the initiation of a police investigation concerning a leaked memorandum from the Chinese government, pertaining to the ongoing disputes in the South China Sea. This development follows the publication of details from a diplomatic note dated February 18, which was reportedly disclosed by a Filipino news organization on August 29.

The diplomatic note, as reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, indicated that China had formally requested Malaysia to cease all activities within an area rich in oil located off the coast of Sarawak on Borneo Island. Furthermore, the report highlighted China’s allegations of Malaysia encroaching upon territories demarcated within Beijing’s controversial 10-dash line, a graphic representation of China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. The communication further conveyed Beijing’s dissatisfaction with Malaysia’s ongoing hydrocarbon exploration activities near the Luconia Shoals, close to Sarawak.

In its official statement, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry expressed serious concern over the leak of what is considered an official diplomatic communication between the two nations. Alongside the call for a police investigation, the ministry announced an internal inquiry aimed at determining the origins of the breach involving classified information.

The South China Sea remains a contested maritime territory, with claims from several nations, including Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Notably, Malaysia has adopted a more cautious diplomatic stance in its dealings with China, contrasting with the more confrontational approach of the Philippines. While Malaysia has refrained from overt criticism of Beijing, there have been noted instances of Chinese coast guard vessels operating within Malaysian maritime boundaries. This approach reflects Malaysia’s strategic desire to maintain robust economic relations with China, which has been the nation’s leading trading partner since 2009.

The Ministry emphasized the commitment of both Malaysia and China to seek peaceful resolutions to disputes, affirming their opposition to any escalation of tensions. Last month, the two countries jointly assumed leadership roles in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for a term of three years, underscoring their intent to uphold collaborative diplomatic relations in the region.

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