China not a military threat: KL

China not a military threat: KL

MALAYSIA: Malaysia's leader urged Southeast Asian nations not to fear China's military might, but said an international group should be set up to defuse conflicts and boost trade with the Asian economic giant.

"We do not think that China would indulge in military adventures," Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said in a speech, read out Thursday by Defense Minister Najib Razak at a forum for Chinese and Malaysian officials and businessmen. "There is therefore no reason for Southeast Asia to fear China's military might."

Mahathir acknowledged that Southeast Asia "has the most to fear from China's expansionism", but that "unless China is provoked, that fear is unnecessary."

Malaysia is China's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, and ties are growing. Mahathir's designated successor, Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, returned on Thursday from a visit during which he met the country's top three leaders. -- AP