MALAYSIA: A Philippine media outlet has revealed a diplomatic note from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accusing Malaysia of “infringing” on China’s sovereignty in areas covered by its nine-dash line.

Following the publication, Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday (4 September) that it is investigating the leak of a classified document that China had sent to its embassy in Beijing in February.

In an article published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer on 29 August, the media outlet shared the two-page diplomatic note from Beijing, which was obtained from a Malaysian journalist who wished to remain anonymous.

In the note, China reiterated its stance that Nankang Ansha and Beikang Ansha (both referred to as Beting Raja Jarum and Luconia Shoals in Malaysia) are part of the Spratly Islands, over which China claims sovereignty.

Source: Daily Inquirer

China argued that its position is supported by historical and legal evidence, including international laws such as the United Nations Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

China objected to Malaysia’s unilateral oil and gas exploration activities in areas such as Timi, Kasawari, Jerun, Kayu Manis SE, F13, E11, Bokor, and Gumusut Kakap.

Beijing claims these activities infringe on its sovereignty and violate international law, particularly UNCLOS and the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea.

China expressed “serious concern” and “strong dissatisfaction” over these actions, urging Malaysia to respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and demanding an immediate halt to the oil and gas exploration activities.

Luconia Shoals, also known as Beting Patinggi Ali, is located around 160 kilometres off the coast of the state of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo, and nearly 2,000km away from China’s Hainan Island.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its territory based on historical maps, which overlap with the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam, complicating energy exploration efforts by several of these economies.

In response to the leaked document, Malaysia’s foreign ministry issued a statement on Wednesday expressing grave concern over the leak, which it described as an official communication channel between the two countries.

Malaysia stated it would continue to defend its sovereignty and sovereign rights in the South China Sea, handle disputes peacefully, and engage with all concerned parties, including China, with which it shares close and active bilateral ties.

“Regarding the South China Sea, both countries have expressed commitment and determination to resolve any issues peacefully through consultations and dialogue using existing platforms and diplomatic channels, without recourse to disputes or violence.”

“Malaysia’s stance on the South China Sea remains unchanged,” the statement wrote.

“Malaysia will continue to defend its sovereignty, sovereign rights and interests in its maritime areas based on the 1979 Malaysia Map. ”

“This approach aligns with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.”

Malaysia also reiterated its commitment to negotiations between ASEAN member states and China to finalize a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), in line with UNCLOS 1982.

As of August 2024, Malaysia and China are co-chairs of the ASEAN-China meetings on the implementation of the DOC and negotiations to finalize the COC, for a three-year term.

On 5 September, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim asserted that the country would continue its oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, despite Beijing’s territorial claims.

As reported by Reuters, Anwar, who is on an official visit in Russia, said Malaysia’s exploration activities are conducted within its own territory and are not intended as a provocation or hostile act toward China, with whom it maintains friendly relations.

“Of course, we will have to operate in our waters and secure economic advantage, including drilling for oil, in our territory,” Anwar stated during a televised press conference in Vladivostok.

“We have never denied the possibility of discussion (with China). But it doesn’t mean we have to stop the operation in our area.”

MANILA, PHILIPPINES: Alice Leal Guo, a fugitive and former mayor in the Philippines accused of having links to Chinese criminal syndicates, has been arrested in Indonesia, the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Wednesday (4 September).

Alice, also known by her Chinese name Guo Hua Ping, is wanted by the Philippine Senate for refusing to attend a senate inquiry into her alleged criminal connections.

According to Senior Superintendent Audie Latuheru of the Indonesian Police, Guo was apprehended at 11:58 p.m.  in Tangerang city in Jakarta on Tuesday (3 September).

“This development has been confirmed by our Immigration counterparts, who have verified that Ms. Guo is currently in the custody of the Indonesian Police at Jatanras Mabes Polri,” the statement read.

In a separate Facebook post, Senator Risa Hontiveros also confirmed Guo’s arrest in Indonesia, expressing gratitude to the Indonesian authorities.

Hontiveros, who chairs a Senate Committee, said she expects Guo to face the Senate hearing soon.

“We appreciate the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) commitment to hand her over to the Senate after she has been processed,” she said, adding that the Senate will hold accountable anyone who aided in Guo’s escape.

Last month, Philippine law enforcement agencies, including the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), jointly filed multiple counts of money laundering against Guo and 35 others before the DOJ.

Guo and her co-conspirators were accused of laundered over 100 million pesos (US$1.8 million) in proceeds from criminal activities.

Guo, who was removed from her position as mayor of Bamban town in Tarlac province, fled the country in July.

She traveled to Malaysia and Singapore before eventually reaching Indonesia in August, using her Philippine passport.

During a hearing on 27 August, her sister, Sheila Guo, revealed that she, Alice, and their brother Wesley used three different boats to escape from the Philippines to Sabah, Malaysia.

Earlier, on 21 August, Sheila and Guo’s business associate, Cassandra Li Ong, were arrested in Batam, Indonesia, while attempting to return to Singapore. They were subsequently deported to the Philippines the following day.

On 19 August, Senator Risa Hontiveros first disclosed that Alice Guo might have already fled the Philippines in July. She noted that the 38-year-old had traveled to Singapore to meet her parents, Lin Wen Yi (林文怡) and Guo Jianjiang (郭建奖).

Hontiveros also revealed that Zhang Jie, a Singaporean citizen, assisted ex-mayor Alice Guo’s group by booking their hotel in Batam.

Zhang Jie was identified as the former president of Lucky South 99, an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga. Lucky South 99, a previously licensed POGO, was raided in June, with several alleged crimes, including torture, reported at the site.

Alice Guo Accused of Supporting Illicit Activities

When Alice Guo was elected as the mayor of Bamban, her family in China published a congratulatory message: “Ms. Alice Leal GUO, also known as Guo Huaping, the daughter of Mr Guo Jianjiang of Chaodai Village, Jinjing Town, Jinjiang City, Fujian Province, was elected Mayor of Bamban, Tarlac Province, Philippines, on May 9, 2022, becoming the city’s first female mayor.”

ALARMING! Is the country infiltrated by Chinese Militias and Sleeper Agents?@senatePH @HouseofRepsPH
How did we end in this dangerous situation? pic.twitter.com/Elaxyeo8SW

— Ricky S (@saudiboy2) May 11, 2024

Since May 2024, she has been under investigation for her alleged involvement in illegal scam operations.

Guo faced accusations of backing a POGO hub in Bamban that was raided last March, where authorities uncovered evidence of human trafficking, illegal detention, physical abuse, and torture.

Guo is also allegedly connected to Fujian-born individuals Zhang Ruijin and Lin Baoying, both convicted in Singapore’s S$3 billion money laundering case.

On 13 July, the Senate ordered Guo’s arrest along with some family members after she failed to appear twice for hearings related to the scam centres. However, she has since gone missing.

Guo earlier denied allegations of criminal connections, asserting that she had no ties to or knowledge of illegal Pogo operations.