KUALA LUMPUR: The Chinese Embassy here described a report accusing its government of trying to influence the investigation into the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal as being “groundless”.

Pooh-poohing the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report, the embassy said China had adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of another country all along.

“China never attaches political conditions on our cooperation with other countries.

“We promote the Belt and Road initiative under the principles of wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, with an aim to pursue shared development and prosperity.

“We do not accept any groundless accusation made against China,” the embassy said in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 8)

The embassy said China and Malaysia had treated each other as friendly neighbours and sincere partners all along.

“Based on the principle of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit, the two countries have been jointly promoting the Belt and Road initiative and expanding pragmatic cooperation, which contributes significantly to the economic development of both countries and brings about tangible benefits to our people,” it added.

The embassy said with 2019 marking the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between both countries, there would be new opportunities to be tapped in the bilateral sphere.

“The Chinese side is committed to working together with the Pakatan Harapan government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) towards creating a brighter future for China-Malaysia relations,” it added.

WSJ reported that senior Chinese leaders offered to help bail out 1MDB in 2016, citing minutes from meetings it reviewed.

Chinese officials allegedly told visiting Malaysians that China would use its influence to try and get the US and other countries to drop probes of allegations that allies of then prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and others plundered the fund, according to the newspaper.

In return, Malaysia offered stakes in railway and pipeline projects as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative.