Malaysia Asserts Sovereignty in South China Sea.

Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its sovereignty and interests in the South China Sea, following concerns expressed by China about Malaysian energy projects in a disputed area. Malaysia's state energy firm Petronas operates oil and gas fields within Malaysia's exclusive economic zone and has had several encounters with Chinese vessels. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, but the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that its "nine-dash line" has no legal basis.