By Prashanth Parameswaran
Exercise is a step forward in bilateral relationship despite lingering uncertainties
Malaysia and China kicked off their first ever bilateral military exercise on Monday.
The joint table top exercise, dubbed “Peace and Friendship 2014,” was launched by the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and the Chinese People Liberation Army (PLA) at the Malaysian Armed Forces Joint Warfare Center.
The exercise marks a step forward in the Sino-Malaysian defense relationship. Although both countries had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation in 2005, initial efforts tended to be focused on exchanges and education. Ties have moved forward incrementally over the past few years, however. For instance, in September 2012, the two defense ministries held their first ever formal defense and security consultation. And in June 2014, Chinese company Aerospace Long March International signed an MoU with Malaysian firm Aneka Bekal to offer a self-propelled surface-to-air missile system.
When Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak last met Chinese President Xi Jinping on November 10 on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Leaders (APEC) meeting in Beijing, Xi had said that both countries should boost cooperation in areas including enhancing collaboration between their two armies and working together on law enforcement and safety. This exercise will no doubt be a step in that direction.
Read the full story at The Diplomat