Military Solution Not Preferred To Solve Overlapping Claims In South China Sea

KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Bernama) -- Military solution is not a preferred approach in resolving the overlapping maritime claims in the South China Sea. Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said, any overlapping claim in the region should be resolved in the context of ASEAN, with diplomatic ties and military diplomacy being the best way. He said military solution would clearly not bring stability to the region. "I have stated that if the issue in this region, particularly in the South China Sea is not settled in an amicable manner, it will bring a catastrophe," he said when winding up the debate on the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) for the ministry in the Dewan Rakyat (Lower House of Parliament) here Wednesday. He said the ASEAN member countries needed to create a greater understanding and unity in facing important challenges, involving major powers. "If we are alone, small countries like ours will not able to handle heavy issues involving major powers, but there are 10 ASEAN countries. "If we can create a greater understanding and strong unity on common interests, we are here to make a stand, no major power can undermine us," he added. Hishammuddin said the ASEAN unity depended on the engagement of all member states to create understanding for the common good. ASEAN comprises 10 member countries namely, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei and Vietnam. Some of the countries, including Malaysia, were involved with China in the maritime territorial overlapping claims in the South China Sea. -- BERNAMA