In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Foreign Ministry urged on Wednesday for the initiation of a police investigation into a leaked diplomatic note originating from China concerning the South China Sea conflict. The ministry’s call came after a Filipino media outlet disclosed details from a diplomatic note dated Feb. 18, which China’s Foreign Ministry had sent to the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing. The leaked information, related to the South China Sea tensions, had been made public on Aug. 29.

According to reports, the leaked diplomatic note allegedly demanded that Malaysia cease all activities in an oil-rich marine region off the coast of Sarawak state on Borneo island. The note purportedly claimed that Malaysia had intruded into areas recognized by China’s contentious 10-dash line map, which delineates Beijing’s territorial assertions in the South China Sea. Additionally, the document expressed Chinese dissatisfaction with Malaysia’s oil and gas exploration endeavors near the Luconia Shoals adjacent to Sarawak.

Expressing serious distress over the breach of an official communication channel between the two nations, Malaysia’s foreign affairs ministry announced plans to conduct an internal inquiry into the leakage of classified data. While countries like Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan challenge China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, Malaysia typically opts for diplomatic solutions over public confrontation. Despite Chinese coast guard vessels venturing near Malaysian waters, Malaysia is inclined to safeguard its economic relations, considering China has been its primary trading partner since 2009.

The Foreign Ministry reiterated that Malaysia and China are devoted to settling disputes peacefully, without resorting to conflict or aggression. Recently, the two nations assumed the co-chair position for a three-year term within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, aiming to foster regional cooperation and stability.