China, Malaysia agree to bilateral talks on S China Sea
November 1, 2016, 6:45 pm

Malaysia’s procurement of military naval vessels from China is a boost for their mutual defense in Southeast Asia [Xinhua]

The issue of the South China Sea and its territorial disputes played a central role and talks between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his visiting counterpart Prime Minister Najib Razak who arrived in Beijing today.

During their talks the two officials also agreed that Malaysia would buy 4 Naval vessels from China, and they signed several trade agreements in the railways, energy, and defense sectors worth $34 billion dollars.

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

He also said that China will link the Belt and Road Initiative with Malaysia’s development strategies.

“Leaders of the two sides agreed to further advance the proper settlement of the South China Sea issue with dialogue through a bilateral channel,” Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said after the two senior diplomats met.

“Obviously the launching of naval cooperation between the two sides is significant for our bilateral ties. It’s a reflection of the very high level, mutual political trust between our two countries,” Liu added in remarks carried by the local press.

During his visit to Beijing last month, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he was still committed to discussing the South China Sea territorial dispute in a bilateral fashion with his Chinese counterparts.

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed the Philippine initiative and warmly shook hands with Duterte saying that both countries had emerged from a relationship of “winds and rains.

According to Reuters, Beijing and Kuala Lumpur agreed on a deal to jointly build rail projects in Malaysia, including the 55 $13.2 billion East Coast Rail Line.

Najib’s visit will last until November 6.

The BRICS Post with inputs from Agencies