SE Asian countries need not worry about China: Mahathir

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, September 19, 2003

SE Asian countries need not worry about China: Mahathir

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Thursday Southeast Asian countries need not worry about China as the country is unlikely to indulge in any military adventure and expansionism.

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Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Thursday Southeast Asian countries need not worry about China as the country is unlikely to indulge in any military adventure and expansionism.

"We do not think that China will indulge in military adventures. There is therefore no reason for Southeast Asia to fear China's military might," he said in his keynote address at the Malaysia-China Partnership Summit 2003 held at Seri Kembangan.

His speech was read out by Defense Minister Najib Tun Abdul Razak who represented the Prime Minister at the two-day summit which ends on Friday.

However, Mahathir said establishing a mechanism, such as the East Asia Economic Grouping (EAEG) which was mooted during the state visit of China's then Prime Minister Li Peng to Kuala Lumpurin December 1990 is necessary for defusing any potentially dangerous disputes.

Mahathir said the EAEG can help resolve challenges and create opportunities for Southeast Asian countries to benefit from China's prosperity and stability.

"Not only China will be a great market for the products and services of Southeast Asia but also there will be a lot of Chinese investment in Southeast Asia," he added.

The Prime Minister said half a billion Southeast Asians will also become a huge market for China's product and services.

"The only thing that Southeast Asia need to worry is the attitude they take vis-a-vis China," he said.

"If Southeast Asia participates in trying to contain China then an atmosphere of confrontation will develop and much will be wasted on preparation for conflicts. Southeast Asia will certainly stand to lose in the ensuing tension," said Mahathir.

Mahathir said the emergence of China as an economic powerhouse should not worry Southeast Asian countries as there will be challenges and opportunities.

He said Southeast Asian countries have to learn to manage the challenges and seize the opportunities.

The Prime Minister also said Malaysia will keep up close exchanges between the leaders of both countries at various levels and deepen the mutual understanding, trust and vigorously promote co-operation with China in trade, economy, science, technology, culture and education.

China and Malaysia have greatly enhanced bilateral relations in the recent years with two-way trade last year amounting to over 14 billion US dollars.

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