Malaysian Defense Minister: "ASEAN Must Jointly Respond to AUKUS"

Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein (left in the photo) is talking with Philippine Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana at a Malaysian Air Force base. (Photo by Reuters)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Yujin] Malaysia has called for a joint response from ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member countries, stating that the trilateral security alliance 'AUKUS' formed by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region could potentially disrupt peace and stability in Southeast Asia.

According to major foreign media on the 12th (local time), Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said, "The upcoming ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting next month will be an opportunity for ASEAN member countries to agree on a joint response."

He added, "Our ultimate goal is to ensure regional stability regardless of the balance of power between the United States and China," and "The consensus among ASEAN member countries will help us stand up to these two major powers."

Minister Hussein also emphasized that any warships or nuclear submarines entering Malaysian waters must obtain special prior approval.

This statement came in response to concerns raised the previous day that AUKUS could provoke other forces to act more aggressively in the South China Sea.

Malaysia has repeatedly warned about the conflict situation between the United States and China in the South China Sea. Last week, the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chinese ambassador to Kuala Lumpur to officially protest Chinese vessels being in its territorial waters.

In April last year, through a statement by the Foreign Minister, Malaysia warned that the presence of warships and vessels in the South China Sea could escalate tensions and affect peace, security, and stability in the region.

On the 15th of last month, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia announced the launch of a new trilateral security partnership, AUKUS, in the Indo-Pacific region and agreed to support Australia’s possession of nuclear-powered submarines.

China’s think tank, the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI), forecasted that Australia’s possession of nuclear submarines would pose a significant threat to China, especially in the South China Sea.