Dr M’s visit to China ‘mutually beneficial’

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s visit to China has been mutually beneficial for both countries.

The countries declared that “both sides expressed their satisfaction with the outcomes of this visit”.

Dr Mahathir, who was appreciative of the warmth and hospitality shown to him and his delegation during the visit, extended an invitation to Prime Minister Li Keqiang to visit Malaysia.

This was accepted by the latter.

In a joint communique, Malaysia stated that it supported the key One China Policy, as well as the republic’s Belt and Road Initiative, which it would continue to participate under Dr Mahathir’s administration.

“The two sides will speed up the implementation of the MoU on Promoting Mutual Economic Development through China’s Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative, and discuss the formulation of relevant outline of cooperation plans,” read the joint communique.

The nations have mutually underscored the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability, as well as safety and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

“Both sides emphasised the need for all sovereign states directly concerned to resolve their differences by peaceful means through friendly consultations and negotiations, in accordance

with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“The countries further emphasised the need for all parties to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities, and to avoid actions that would complicate or escalate tensions in the South China Sea.”

The countries and the Asean member states are also committed to the effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and encourage maritime cooperation, as well as actively push forward consultations on a Code of Conduct (COC) to

see early conclusion of an effective COC, the communique said.

“The two sides will jointly uphold multilateralism, oppose trade protectionism and unilateralism, uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the rulesbased multilateral trading regime under the WTO, and promote an open, inclusive and balanced economic globalisation that benefits all,” said the statement.

“Both sides spoke positively of the sound and productive cooperation in defence, law enforcement and counter-terrorism, and agreed to advance cooperation in the above-mentioned areas, with a view to jointly maintaining regional security and stability.”