Malaysia PM's warning over South China Sea
Stationing warships in the South China Sea could lead to war, Malaysia's Prime Minister has said.
Tensions in the South China Sea, could escalate into conflict and war if countries start stationing their warships in the area, Malaysia鈥檚 Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, has said.
鈥淐hina has every right to go wherever they want to go, but please don鈥檛 prevent ships from passing through the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea,鈥� he told 大象传媒 Hardtalk鈥檚 Zeinab Badawi on Monday.
鈥淥ur policy is to not have battleships and warships in the South China Sea because if people start stationing their warships there, there will be tension, there will be conflict and it may result in a war,鈥� Mr Mahathir said.
Six countries have competing claims in the South China Sea.
Tensions have increased in recent years and China has backed its claims with island-building and naval patrols.
The US, which says it does not take sides in territorial disputes, has sent military ships and planes near disputed islands, calling them "freedom of navigation" operations to ensure access to key shipping and air routes.
