Lankan Ranger
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China our Traditional Friend - Malaysia
Malaysia - Downplaying tensions across Asia over recent assertive moves by China, Malaysia's defence chief on Tuesday said China is his nation's "traditional friend," with a trading relationship dating back thousands of years.
"We do not feel we are being bullied," Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said following a meeting with visiting U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates.
Gates is in Malaysia as part of the Obama administration's effort to expand relationships with Southeast Asian nations nervous about China. As a group, the nations are trying to balance ties to the United States, still the pre-eminent military power in the Pacific, with their relationship to Beijing.
Gates landed in Malaysia on Tuesday; Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton visited Malaysia and several neighbouring nations this month. Former President Bill Clinton will be in Malaysia next week.
"We both need each other," Hamidi said of China. "We are more comfortable to engage with China rather than to have a sour relationship with them, ... (and) they have a very positive attitude toward us."
Malaysia is one of several nations with competing claims to disputed island chains, but has steered away from confrontation with near neighbours and China.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has said he would like to see territorial problems resolved through talks and co-operation "in an elegant manner."
Metro - Malaysia defence chief says China no bully
Malaysia - Downplaying tensions across Asia over recent assertive moves by China, Malaysia's defence chief on Tuesday said China is his nation's "traditional friend," with a trading relationship dating back thousands of years.
"We do not feel we are being bullied," Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said following a meeting with visiting U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates.
Gates is in Malaysia as part of the Obama administration's effort to expand relationships with Southeast Asian nations nervous about China. As a group, the nations are trying to balance ties to the United States, still the pre-eminent military power in the Pacific, with their relationship to Beijing.
Gates landed in Malaysia on Tuesday; Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton visited Malaysia and several neighbouring nations this month. Former President Bill Clinton will be in Malaysia next week.
"We both need each other," Hamidi said of China. "We are more comfortable to engage with China rather than to have a sour relationship with them, ... (and) they have a very positive attitude toward us."
Malaysia is one of several nations with competing claims to disputed island chains, but has steered away from confrontation with near neighbours and China.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has said he would like to see territorial problems resolved through talks and co-operation "in an elegant manner."
Metro - Malaysia defence chief says China no bully