Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. (Photo: VNA)

He said the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982) should be complied with by China, so that the situation improves.

Vietnam and the Philippines are among countries that are directly affected by China's policies, especially in relation to the position of these countries on the so-called ‘nine-dash line’.

If China can comply with the COC, many issues will be resolved, the PM said, adding that freedom of navigation needs to be respected by all parties.

He expressed his belief that Indonesia as ASEAN Chair in 2023 can resolve issues related to the South China Sea (called the East Sea in Vietnam) and the political crisis in Myanmar, among others.