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Malaysia-China joint military collaborations to tackle threats
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Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak (second left) accepts a courtesy call from Special Envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping who is also a Member of Political Bureau of Central Committee of the Communist Party of the People's Republic of China Meng Jianzhu (third right) at Parliament on May 25. (Bernama via The Star/-)
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xtremism, terrorism, kidnapping and other threats are among areas to be tackled under military collaborations with China, the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office has said.
The PMO said both sides agreed that ministers, senior officials and agencies should explore details of the joint efforts.
It also said that the introduction of a secure communications link would be considered, in response to “the dynamic security challenges in the Asia Pacific region, such as the threat of Islamic State and food security”.
Another possible area of cooperation would be intelligence gathering, it said.
“Malaysia is ready to discuss further possibilities and believes positive discussions and collaborations with China, as well as ASEAN countries, in these areas will further safeguard mutual interests,” the PMO said in a statement.
It said Malaysia was confident that constructive dialogue between ASEAN countries and China would enable all parties to achieve a mutually beneficial long-term solution, with respect to the South China Sea issue, that would bring stability and prosperity to the region.
Prime Minister Najib Razak received a high-level delegation from China led by President Xi Jinping’s special envoy, Meng Jianzhu, in the Parliament building on Wednesday.
Meng also heads the Political and Legislative Affairs Committee of the CPC central committee.
Earlier in the building, Najib received ASEAN ministers who were here to attend the 9th ASEAN Education Ministers’ meeting.
Accompanying the delegation were Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.
The PMO statement also said China expressed its sincere gratitude to Najib for Malaysia’s cooperation on anti-terrorism and international crime initiatives, including the recent phone scam affecting many Chinese citizens.
“The excellent cooperation between the defense and military establishments has been further strengthened via the elevation of bilateral relations to comprehensive strategic partnership.
“This cooperation includes exchanges of high-level visits, meetings and joint exercises,” it said.
The statement added that Najib also expressed appreciation of Xi’s One Belt, One Road initiative and its importance in creating economic and cultural integration.
On this, Malaysia stands ready to explore the possibility of working with China and Thailand to conduct a swift feasibility study on the development of the Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok high speed rail and the east coast rail link to enhance connectivity and tourism for Malaysia and Thailand.
In addition, Malaysia welcomes China as a partner to jointly develop long-term tourism infrastructure and property related investments.
