Beijing vital to Asia-Pacific peace

The Straits Times, 12 July 2000

PORT KLANG -- The role of China's armed forces is vital in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia Pacific, the Chief of Staff of China's southern fleet said here yesterday.

Rear Admiral Huang Jiang said its role would be in line with China's pursuit of independence and peace in its foreign policy and national defence policy.

The role of the armed forces, and especially that of the navy, would be to safeguard regional peace and stability particularly in the South China Sea, he said, adding that all countries -- regardless of size -- were equal and should co-exist in friendly terms.

He was speaking to reporters during a call by two Chinese naval ships, the Shenzhen and Nancang, which are on their first visit to Malaysia.

Rear Admiral Huang, noting that there had been long-standing and historical ties between China and Malaysia, said the four-day port call aimed at promoting and deepening understanding and friendship.

We have come here with the best wishes... and will leave with fond memories and friendship of the Malaysian people and its armed forces, he said. --Bernama