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