CHINA'S MILITARY MIGHT SHOULD BE VIEWED POSITIVELY, SAYS DPM

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- China's growing international military
profile and presence should be viewed positively instead of being perceived as a
threat to global stability, Muhyiddin Yassin said Monday.

The deputy prime minister said it was imperative to weigh the development in
the context of China's legitimate national concerns such as safe-guarding its
trade, commercial and strategic interests.

The international community should be objective and even welcome China's
enhanced military capabilities, he said in his luncheon address at a forum on
the implications of a strong China organised by the National Chamber of Commerce
and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) here.

"Its growing military might can be perceived as enabling Beijing to heighten
its contributions to international peace and security. Waterways that are safe
for Chinese ships are also safe for ships of all nationalities.

"China's participation in the multilateral effort to combat piracy in the
Gulf of Aden is a case in the point," he said.

Muhyiddin said it was important to look at China's strategic intentions
instead of solely on its military capabilities.

"In this regard, the doctrine of peaceful rise has guided China and it has
emerged as a major power without unduly unsettling the international system."

He said that despite its military strength, China still preferred to work
via existing multilateral ties with other countries.

"For a small states like Malaysia, it is reasssuring that China is committed
to exercising its power in a measured and non-aggressive manner," he added.

-- BERNAMA