



PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is pleased with defence exchanges with China as it could help check Asia-Pacific security threats, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun HusseinHe said both parties had pledged to strengthen and encourage further exchanges between the defence establishments.“I highlighted several potential areas of cooperation to strengthen and promote synergies in the field of science, technology and industry for national defence between the two countries,” Hishammuddin said in a statement following his visit to China to attend the inaugural China-Asean Defence Ministers’ informal meeting.He would also speak on “Asia-Pacific Security Threats: Opportunities and Challenges” at the 6th Xiangshan Forum.Hishammuddin said he requested the Chinese authorities to send a bigger participation of defence leaders and companies to the biennial Defence Services Asia exhibition and conference in Kuala Lumpur next year.He also held discussions with CPC Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission Secretary Meng Jianzhu, China National Space Administration administrator Xu Dazhe, and Department of Military Trade & Foreign Affairs general director Zhang Chunli.