Kuala Lumpur believes that Southeast Asia should remain nuclear-free

Malaysia and Indonesia intend to work together to maintain a nuclear-free Southeast Asia (SEA), opposing the new AUKUS security agreement concluded by Australia, the UK and the US. According to the New Straits Times on Friday, this issue was discussed at the talks held in Kuala Lumpur between the senior minister, Minister of DefenseHishamuddin Hussain and his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto.< br>
"We exchanged views on topical issues, expressing concern that AUKUS may provoke other countries to more aggressive behavior in the region, especially in the South China Sea," the Malaysian Defense Minister said. According to him, "Malaysia and Indonesia, as members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), should jointly preserve the region's nuclear-free status, as well as the principles of peace, freedom and neutrality."

Hishamuddin Hussain< /b> also urged "all parties to avoid provocative military action that could potentially increase tensions or provoke conflicts in the South China Sea." “All conflicts, disagreements and disputes,” the minister said, “should be resolved consistently, clearly and through negotiations and dialogue.”

The leaders of Australia, Great Britain and the United States on September 15 signed the AUKUS security agreement, which, among other things, provides for the construction Canberra, with the help of American technology, at least eight nuclear submarines, the first of which will enter service in 2036. Malaysia has already said that Australia will have to request special permission for nuclear submarines to enter local ports or participate in maneuvers in areas adjacent to territorial waters.