China, Malaysia pledge South China Sea stability

BEIJING, May 30 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday agreed to strengthen dialogue to maintain stability on the South China Sea.

"The current situation in the South China Sea is stable in general but signs deserving our attention have also emerged," Xi said in his meeting with Najib.

China cherishes the peace and stability of the South China Sea and disapproves of complicating, broadening or internationalizing the ongoing regional disputes over sovereignty, Xi said, reiterating that China's stance on the issue is clear and consistent.

"We will never stir up trouble, but will react in the necessary way to the provocations of countries involved," he vowed.

Acknowledging the sound communication between China and Malaysia, Xi said the two countries have long borne the bigger picture of bilateral relations in mind, properly handled issues and contributed to regional peace and stability.

The president called on the two sides to work together to strengthen dialogue and communication, advance maritime cooperation and joint development to maintain peace and stability on the South China Sea.

Najib said he agreed with Xi's stance and believed claimants would most appropriately resolve differences through direct communication and dialogue.

Xi stressed that China's development and that of its neighbors affect each other positively. China has put forward a series of major initiatives including a neighborhood campaign of diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, built a closer "community of common destiny" between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and is jointly constructing the Silk Road economic belt and the 21st century maritime Silk Road.

"China is willing to work with Malaysia, an important country in Asia, to contribute to a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious Asia," he added.

Malaysia will actively participate in building the 21st century maritime Silk Road and Asian infrastructure investment bank, Najib replied.

With Malaysia acting as ASEAN chair in 2015, Najib hailed China and the ASEAN members as interdependent good neighbors and friends, calling on the two sides to work to achieve peace, stability and prosperity in Asia.

Malaysia is ready to make a greater contribution to China-ASEAN relations, he said.