China, Malaysia sign infrastructure, defense deals

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) holds a welcome ceremony for visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 1, 2016.

China and Malaysia on Tuesday signed agreements on railways, energy, defense, and joint development of Malaysia's naval ships, during Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak's visit to Beijing.

The deals were signed after talks between Premier Li Keqiang and Najib. They covered areas ranging from infrastructure, agriculture, education, tax, quality inspection to customs and defense.

Describing China and Malaysia as good neighbors, partners and friends, Li said China is willing to work with the Southeast Asian country to boost neighborly cooperation, stability, development and prosperity.

China will link the Belt and Road Initiative with Malaysia's development strategies and build pilot programs for industrial cooperation, Li said.

"China and Malaysia can enhance cooperation in railways, including high-speed rail to strengthen regional connectivity," Li said.

He also called for further cooperation in finance, law enforcement, security and culture, particularly the operating of Xiamen University Malaysian campus.

Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin told reporters after the talks that China plans to join the construction of railways in Malaysia's east coast, and oil and gas pipelines in Sabah.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue, and ASEAN will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017.

Premier Li said China staunchly supports the building of the ASEAN community and its central role in regional cooperation.

China is willing to enhance communication and collaboration with Malaysia for better China-ASEAN relations and regional peace and stability, he said.

Najib said Malaysia-China ties are in the best period in their history, pointing to smooth progress in the joint industrial park in Kuantan and Malacca.

Malaysia will work with China to boost cooperation in trade, investment, railway construction, finance, education and defense to advance relations, Najib said.

He said Malaysia will also enhance relations between ASEAN and China for the development of the region.

Also on Tuesday, China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang met with Najib, who is on an official visit to China from October 31 to November 6.