High-level committee set up to boost defence cooperation, says Hisham

KUALA LUMPUR: Diplomatic relations and defence cooperation between Malaysia and China have been enhanced with the setting up of a high-level committee between the two countries.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the committee was set up to identify a more practical and structured form of cooperation in defence.

This was the outcome of a meeting with China’s Defence Minister General Chang Wanquan during his three-day official visit to China since Friday, Hishammuddin said in a statement yesterday.

He said he had instructed Malaysian Army chief General Datuk Seri Zulkiple Kassim and Royal Malaysian Air Force chief General Datuk Seri Affendi Buang to further discuss the defence and military cooperation.

“Malaysia and China also have to organise more frequent exchange visits to improve communication, understanding and also to further strengthen the trust between the two nations,” he added.

He said the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting had also agreed that the upcoming AseanChina maritime exercise would be conducted in Asean waters.

“This move is intended to strengthen defence cooperation and enhance operability among countries involved in reacting against maritime threat.

“This matter will be finalised soon,” he added.

During the official visit, Hishammuddin also met China Central Military Commission vice-chairman General Xu Qiliang, State Councillor Yang Jiechi and Public Security Minister Guo Shengkun.

He said various topics were discussed during the meetings, including threats posed by the spread of terrorist ideology, especially from the Islamic State militant group.

“Both countries also agreed on the need to give serious attention to the global security landscape, which is fast changing and becoming more challenging.

“We also looked into the role that should be played by both countries to preserve peace and