Japan and Malaysia signed a security assistance agreement today, Saturday, that includes a grant of 400 million yen (2.8 million dollars) to enhance Malaysia's maritime security, as Asian countries seek to confront the increasing aggressive behavior from China. Japan will provide equipment such as rescue boats and supplies under the security assistance agreement signed by the foreign ministers of both countries on the sidelines of the Tokyo summit marking 50 years of relations between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "Prime Minister Fumio Kishida welcomed the elevation of Japan-Malaysia relations to the level of a 'comprehensive strategic partnership.'"
In addition to Malaysia, ASEAN member countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brunei, are claiming rights to parts of the South China Sea disputed with China. China asserts that "it has rights to sovereignty over nearly all of the waterway, which sees annual trade worth over 3 trillion dollars." The Permanent Court of Arbitration stated in 2016 that China's claims have no legal basis.
