Indonesia and Malaysia expressed their concerns over Australia's decision to acquire nuclear-powered submarine, seeing the step will escalate power projection and tension in the region.
The statement was made on Monday in a joint press conference during the visit of Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah to Jakarta.
"This may draw other powers to visit ASEAN and the South China Sea regions more frequently," said Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah.
Meanwhile, Indonesia Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said both countries agree to maintain a stable and peaceful situation in the region.
Australia, Britain and the United States announced a new security partnership known as AUKUS in September, under which the first initiative is the delivery of a nuclear-powered submarine fleet to Australia by the other two.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
