Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the setting up of the committee was to identify a more practical and structured form of defence cooperation.
This was the outcome of a meeting with Chinese Defence Minister General Chang Wanquan during the Malaysian defence minister’s three-day official visit to China on Friday, he said in a statement here today.
Hishammuddin said he had instructed Malaysian army chief General Zulkiple Kassim and the Malaysian Air Force chief Gen Affendi Buang to discuss further with China on defence and military cooperation.
“Malaysia and China have to organise more frequent exchange visits in the future to improve communication, understanding and further strengthen the trust between the two nations.”
Apart from that, he said the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting had also agreed that the coming Asean-China Maritime Exercise would be conducted in Asean waters.
“This move is to strengthen defence cooperation and enhance operability among Asean countries to react against any maritime threat. This matter will be finalised soon.”
During the official visit, Hishammuddin also met China Central Military Commission vice-chairman General Xu Qiliang, State Councillor of the State Council Yang Jiechi and Minister of Public Security Guo Shengkun.
He said various topics were discussed, especially on threats brought by the spread of terrorist ideology, especially from the Islamic State militant group, during the meetings.
“Both countries have also agreed on the need to give serious attention to the global security landscape, which is fast changing and becoming more challenging.
“We have also looked into the role that should be played by both countries in ensuring peace and stability are preserved in the South China Sea.”
During the visit, Hishammuddin also witnessed the signing of a sub-contract between Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNSSB) and China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co Ltd on a joint building of four littoral mission ships (LMS) for the Royal Malaysian Navy.
“The first two ships will be built in China. The expertise and the cost, which is lower in China, will be used by BNSSB to build the remaining two ships in Malaysia.
“The acquisition of the LMS is an important milestone as it is the country’s first purchase of defence assets from China.”
Hishammuddin also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia and Peking University, China.