Malaysia is fully committed and urges all parties to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety.

The country also wants the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), as agreed between China and Asean, Wisma Putra announced in Kuala Lumpur today.

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Malaysia believed all relevant parties could peacefully resolve disputes by according full respect to diplomatic and legal processes, and relevant international law and 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 Unclos).

"Malaysia believes that it is important to maintain peace, security and stability through the exercise of self-restraint in the conduct of activities that may further complicate disputes or escalate tension, and avoid the threat or use of force in the South China Sea.

"Malaysia cherishes peace and stability of the South China Sea and believes that China and all relevant parties can find constructive ways to develop healthy dialogues, negotiations and consultations while upholding the supremacy of the rule of law for the peace, safety and security for the region," the ministry said.

Wisma Putra was referring to the landmark award made yesterday by the Arbitral Tribunal under Annex VII to the 1982 Unclos.

In a historic ruling, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague decided against China on its maritime disputes with the Philippines. It ruled that China had no historic rights to the waters of the resources-rich South China Sea.

The PCA It also found that China had no legal basis to claim the resources within its so called "nine-dash" line.

China which did not participate or acknowledge the proceedings, which began last year, called the decision "unilateral".

China said it neither accepted nor recognised the award of an arbitral tribunal established at the request of the Philippines.

- Bernama