Malaysia, China to set up high-level security and defence panel

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and China will set up a high-level committee to discuss security and defence issues common to both countries.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who received a courtesy call from of China's Central Military Commission vice-chairman General Xu Qiliang Wednesday, said the committee will discuss military ties between the two countries and security threats.

"One area that we are pursuing is to ensure that the relationship built with China is institutionalised.

"The high-level committee will be chaired by both Malaysia and China's defence ministers and will look at aspects that may strengthen or sour our bilateral links," he said at a press conference at the Defence Ministry in Jalan Padang Tembak here.

Hishammuddin said other than institutionalising bilateral relations between both countries, the committee will discuss security issues pertaining to North Korea, the South China Sea and terrorism, all of which were touched upon during Wednesday's courtesy call.

"I believe this reflects the unique relationship we have with China.

"Under the high-level committee, we will set up specific working groups for military cooperation, exchange of information and intelligence.

"We will also emphasise education, training, strategic affairs and current issues such as threats in the South China Sea, the Sulu Straits, the Malacca Straits and terrorism," Hishammuddin said.