On 11-12 November 2026, the third Bilateral Dialogue between China and Malaysia on the Management of Maritime Issues in the South China Sea (hereinafter refered to as Bilateral Dialogue) was held in Penang, Malaysia, co-chaired by H.E. Guo Yezhou, Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Raja Dato’ Nushirwan bin Zainal Abidin, Director-General of Malaysia’s National Security Council, with about 50 representatives from two countries’ key maritime departments in attendance. The third Working Group meeting was held between Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and National Security Council of Malaysia concurrently with the Bilateral Dialogue.

The two sides spoke highly of the smooth and effective operation of the Bilateral Dialogue over the past two years since its launch, had an in-depth exchange of views on the current situation in the South China Sea, actively discussed practical maritime cooperation in various areas and reached broad consensus. Both sides agreed to earnestly implement the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, continuously deepen mutual trust and friendship, strengthen more practical maritime cooperation, and work together to build a new narrative of peace, stability, cooperation and friendship in the South China Sea. The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common interest.

During the meeting, China Coast Guard vessel Sandu paid its port visit to Penang, Malaysia and both sides attended the deck reception.