FROM EIR DAILY ALERT

Mahathir Promises Malaysia Will Remain Friends with China

June 11, 2018 (EIRNS)—Making Japan, the nation he has long-standing ties with, his first overseas visit since again becoming Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad told Japanese media at Tokyo’s National Press Club today:

“Ever since the first visit to China by Malaysia’s second prime minister (Tun Abdul Razak), we have conducted good relations with China. It is a big and powerful country and our policy is to remain friendly with China.”

His comments were reported by New Straits Times. Dr. Mahathir is currently on a three-day visit to Japan over June 10-12.

The media asked about his views on China’s One Belt, One Road initiative. Dr. Mahathir, who was also attending the “Future of Asia” conference in Tokyo, replied:

“We will be friendly to China but we don’t want to be indebted to China. We are a small country. Whether we object or not, China will go ahead with its plans. What we have to do is make the best use of China’s policy. We will try to make sure that it is not exclusive, that other people can use the same route.”