Malaysia, China to keep communication channels open over South China Sea issue

– Bernama

NANNING: Malaysia and China agree to have continuous and open communication over the South China Sea issue to ensure the situation on the ground is always peaceful, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic).

The Prime Minister said he discussed the South China Sea issue during his meeting with China Premier Li Qiang on Sunday (Sept 16).

He also said that Li voiced his support for the Asean Centrality concept to tackle the issue of international security in the region and supported a free Asean bloc, including regarding enmity between the United States and China.

During the meeting, Anwar also discussed the situation in Myanmar and the repatriation of Rohingya refugees.

"Premier Li shared the concept of a community for a shared future for mankind, which stresses principles of openness, civility, inclusiveness and mutual respect in dealing with bilateral, regional and international cooperation.

"These values are consistent with those of Malaysia Madani," he said in a statement issued Saturday in conjunction with his working visit here while attending the 20th China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO).

Anwar said that Malaysia generally supported universal values, including poverty eradication, the fight for justice and sustainable development. – Bernama