KUALA LUMPUR: Matters relating to the South China Sea must be resolved peacefully based on the universally recognised principles of international law.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said this must also be based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.
In a statement today, Hishammuddin said Malaysia maintains its position that all parties must work together to ensure peace, security and stability in the South China Sea.
"Malaysia looks forward to continuing the discussions to conclude an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea that would encompass elements which reflect the rights and interests of all parties.
"As a claimant state, Malaysia has always been consistent in our stand, firm in our commitment to safeguard our sovereignty, sovereign rights and interests in the South China Sea.
"Malaysia's national interests remain paramount."
He added that Malaysia would also continue to play an active role in ensuring that the South China Sea remained a sea of peace and trade.
Hishammuddin's comments came amid growing tension between the United States and China over Beijing's claims to most of the South China Sea, which is a major trade route.
US secretary of State Mike Pompeo had rejected Beijing's claims in the disputed waters, describing it as "completely unlawful".
Beijing claims the majority of the South China Sea through the so-called nine-dash line, a vague delineation based on maps from the 1940s when the Republic of China snapped up islands from Japanese control.
Meanwhile, in response to former foreign minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman's criticisms, Hishammuddin said Malaysia's position on the South China Sea had not changed from the time Anifah led the ministry.
"I spoke in the context of the reaction to West Capella activities where a Chinese survey vessel, the accompanying Chinese Coast Guard and fishing militia were present in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from April to May.
"This was managed during my first 100 days in the ministry and those vessels left our EEZ after intensive diplomatic efforts.
"If he (Anifah) knew the context of my statement yesterday regarding West Capella activities as clarified, I am certain he would not have misunderstood and reacted the way he did," he added.
On Wednesday, Hishammuddin had said that there were no Chinese coast guard and navy ships in Malaysian waters.
Anifah had criticised Hishammuddin's claims, and said the latter was either "in denial or ignorant of the facts".