KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim asserted on Thursday that Malaysia will not yield to China's demands to halt its oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, emphasizing that the activities are well within Malaysia's territorial waters. Anwar's statement comes in response to China's accusations made in a diplomatic protest note in February, alleging that Malaysia had encroached on Chinese territory.

Malaysia's Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that it is currently investigating the leak of the diplomatic protest note, which was published by a Filipino media outlet on August 29th. The note, disclosed by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, revealed China's demand for Malaysia to immediately cease all activities in an oil-rich maritime area off Sarawak state on Borneo island. China claimed that this area falls within its controversial 10-dash line, which outlines its claims of sovereignty in the South China Sea. Beijing also expressed displeasure over Malaysia's oil and gas exploration near the Luconia Shoals, located near Sarawak.

While speaking during a televised press conference from Russia, where he was on an official visit, Anwar emphasized that Malaysia's actions were not deliberately provocative or hostile. He acknowledged China as a great friend but insisted that Malaysia must operate within its own waters to secure economic advantages, including drilling for oil in its territory. Anwar stated that China had previously sent protest notes regarding the South China Sea dispute, but stressed that it should not undermine the strong relationship between the two nations. During Chinese President Li Qiang's visit to Malaysia in June to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties, Anwar even referred to China as a "true friend."

Anwar made it clear that Malaysia respects the boundaries of other countries and reiterated, "They know our position... They have claimed that we are infringing on their territory. That is not the case. We say no, it is our territory. But if they continue with the dispute, then okay, we will have to listen, and they will have to listen."

The South China Sea dispute involves multiple countries, including Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan, all challenging China's extensive claims to almost the entire region. Unlike the Philippines, which has had public clashes with China in the area, Malaysia prefers diplomatic channels to address the issue. The Malaysian government rarely voices public criticism of Beijing, aiming to protect economic ties as China has been the country's top trading partner since 2009.