He said Malaysia, which assumed the role of country coordinator this year, aims to establish a code of conduct accepted by all parties.

“As the country coordinator along with China, Malaysia will intensify and increase negotiations with Asean partner countries to resolve any confusion or issues related to claims in the South China Sea as best as possible,” he told Malaysian media here after a meeting of Asean foreign ministers with 10 key dialogue partners.

Among the dialogue partners at the meeting were the foreign ministers of China, Russia, UK, and the European Union.

Mohamad said Malaysia wants any issues or problems related to territorial disputes in the South China Sea to be resolved through dialogue and negotiation. All Asean countries have said the South China Sea should be free from any form of control, especially in international waters.

“In a meeting with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, all Asean countries agreed that any issues regarding the South China Sea should be handled through negotiation. We must use dialogue and work together to present a unified Asean approach on the South China Sea,” he said.

The territorial affiliation of several islands and reefs in the South China Sea has been the subject of disputes between China, the Philippines and several other Asia-Pacific countries for decades.

Significant oil and gas reserves have been found on the continental shelf of the islands, including the Paracel Islands, Thitu Island, the Scarborough Reef and the Spratly Islands, with the Whitson Reef being part of them.

In July 2016, following a claim filed by the Philippines, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China had no basis for territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The court ruled that the islands were not disputed territory and did not constitute an exclusive economic zone.