[Watch] Tensions Rise As Chinese Naval Frigate Spotted Near Malaysian Oil Rig In South China Sea

The presence of a Chinese Type 053H3 Jiangwei II Class frigate near Malaysia’s Velesto NAGA 4 oil rig in Sarawak’s waters has raised concerns over China’s ambitions in the South China Sea.

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A Chinese Type 053H3 Jiangwei II class light frigate has been observed near Malaysia’s Velesto NAGA 4 oil rig in the South China Sea waters off Sarawak.

This sighting has sparked concerns over China’s intentions in the region, known for its rich energy resources and strategic maritime significance.

The South China Sea is a critical waterway because of its vast reserves of oil and natural gas and its vital shipping lanes, which facilitate a significant portion of global trade.

The region has long been a flashpoint for territorial disputes, with multiple countries, including Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei, contesting China’s expansive claims.

#PLAN Type 053H3 frigate operating nearby Malaysia's Velesto NAGA 4 Oil Rig located in the waters of Sarawak, speaks volumes about China's motives to dominate & annex the energy-rich regions of #SouthChinaSea. 1/3 @ginollopez @SouthChinaSeas @PbbMarcos @ElbridgeColby @ pic.twitter.com/Ip5yYpaZyf
— Michael Turner (@Michael71T) September 10, 2024

Strategic Interests in Energy-Rich Waters

China’s assertive posture in the South China Sea is often seen as an attempt to assert control over these energy-rich areas.

The Chinese frigate near Malaysian waters is perceived as a demonstration of military capability and a signal of its regional strategic interests.

Malaysia has consistently maintained that its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) rights are backed by international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The recent intrusion by the Chinese naval vessel into Malaysia’s EEZ will likely escalate diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

In February, China sent a two-page document to the Malaysian embassy in Beijing.

In the document, China claimed that Malaysia’s oil and gas exploration activities in the South China Sea infringed on China’s sovereignty.

Mole hunt in Wisma Putra after China’s demand for Malaysia to leave Sarawak seas leaked https://t.co/blIiclJmjq

Our ministries & gov depts are riddled with leaks and moles. Else how would accounts like Edisi Siasat thrive?
— henry #Unity 🇲🇾👨🏻‍💻📱⌚️ 🏴 (@hewyk) September 5, 2024

China’s Persistent Maritime Claims

This is not the first time China has been accused of intruding into the waters of neighbouring countries.

Such actions are part of a pattern that aligns with China’s broader strategy to enforce its “Nine-Dash Line” claim, which covers most of the South China Sea.

On February 18th, 🇨🇳#China Coast Guard 5403 arrived off the coast of 🇲🇾#Malaysia to begin a period of intrusive patrolling within Malaysia's exclusive economic zone and among its oil and gas fields. [🧵1/2] pic.twitter.com/1JZlKVdmbE
— Ray Powell (@GordianKnotRay) February 19, 2024

The “Nine-Dash Line”, rejected by many countries, including Malaysia, is a demarcation line China uses to assert its historical claims over most of the South China Sea.

This claim was invalidated by a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which found no legal basis for China’s expansive claims.

Despite this and the supposedly friendly ties between Malaysia and China, Beijing has continued to assert its presence in the region.