China, Malaysia agree to enhance defense cooperation

BEIJING -- Vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission Xu Qiliang met with Malaysian Navy chief Dato' Seri Panglima Ahmad Kamarulzaman bin Hj Ahmad Badaruddin on Tuesday, agreeing to enhance cooperation in defense and security.

Xu said China attaches great importance to military relations with Malaysia, especially ties between the two navies.

China is willing to work with Malaysia to deepen military exchanges to enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between the two sides, he said.

Xu criticized attempts by certain countries to hype up tensions and produce trouble in the South China Sea, expressing China's firm opposition against such actions.

China is ready to enhance defense and security cooperation with Malaysia in the region to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, as well as the overall situation of China-ASEAN friendship and cooperation, said Xu.

Kamarulzaman said Malaysia is willing to work with China to strengthen mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation to push forward bilateral ties, including military ties.