RESOLVE SOUTH CHINA SEA DISPUTES DIPLOMATICALLY - MINISTER

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia wants the issue of overlapping
claims in the South China Sea, involving several countries, to be resolved
diplomatically.

Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said, it would ensure a
peaceful situation in the territorial waters, as well as enable several
countries to jointly benefit the natural resources.

He said recent Chinese naval maneuvers near the Spratly Islands was only a
bid to display that country's military presence in the area.

"We monitor the actions of all countries involved. We are confident that
China is not aggressive in this matter, but they only want their presence to be
known," he said when met by reporters after receiving visits from future
Malaysian ambassadors and high commissioners at his office here.

They are Zainuddin Yahya (Belgium), Mazlan Muhammad (New
Zealand), Ahmad Shahizan Abdul Samad (Bahrain), Badruddin Ab Rahman
(Sweden), Halimah Abdullah (Italy), Ilankovan Kolandavelu
(Spain), Ayauf Bachi (Peru), Dr Ahmad Faisal Muhamad (Myanmar) Azmil Mohd
Zabidi (Vietnam) and S. Ganeson (Chile).

According to Ahmad Zahid, the issue would be extended to the Asean Defence
Ministers Meeting in Bali in October for discussions through a military
perspective.

"This is because it involves the operation of ships in the disputed area. We
want to solve the matter diplomatically and avoid military conflicts.

"We propose to hold a multilateral meeting, instead of a bilateral meeting,
and hopefully, achieve a more relevant and amicable solution," he added.

Earlier, the minister clarified to the future Malaysian ambassadors and high
commissioners on the assets owned by the Malaysian Armed Forces, and spoke of
regional military cooperation.

He said this information would allow them to correct the alternative media's
negative perception of the country, regarding defence.