KUALA LUMPUR: Increased tensions in the South China Sea will be addressed with continued dialogue, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
“We cannot control how any country behaves, whether it is our neighbour, or if it is a small or even a big country. But our approach is, we need to engage them (in talks).
“We believe that by having engagement, we can discuss any differences. But most importantly, through continuous engagement, we can create trust.
"It is important for every country, not only for Malaysia, to create trust with others but also for others including China to create trust in Malaysia,” the Defence Minister said after a walkabout inspection of the meeting space for the 19th Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 12th ADMM-Plus at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Thursday (Oct 30).
He also said that the midterm review of the Defence White Paper showed challenges emerging from the South China Sea.
“We are open about it. And by saying that, we know that to address the challenges, it does not only depend on a single country.
“A challenge by any Asean country in the region is a problem that will be felt by all member states.
