Kota Kinabalu: Escalating military provocations between the United States and China in the South China Sea could threaten Sabah's cross-border security, Sabah State Legislative Assembly Backbenchers Club Chairman Datuk Masiung Banah warns.
The Kuamut assemblyman urged Wisma Putra to immediately initiate diplomatic talks involving the US, China, and the Philippines to ensure the strategic waters remain safe for regional trade.
He expressed serious concern over large-scale military facilities and assets being developed by the Philippines and the US on Balabac Island, just 50 kilometres, or a 20-minute boat ride, from Sabah’s Banggi Island.
Masiung warned that the substantial US military presence so close to Sabah’s northern coast could trigger unforeseen situations, particularly as the Philippines has yet to drop its territorial claim over Sabah.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also voiced concerns over the US military build-up on Balabac Island alongside the lingering Philippine claim on the State.