REMBAU, Oct 13 — The visit of military ships from China to Penang Port is a common occurrence and should not be blown out of proportion, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He said it is normal for warships from countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, or China to dock at Malaysian ports in the context of bilateral or multilateral diplomatic relations.
“It’s a common occurrence if we have bilateral relations with the country. We have a very good relationship with them.
“China has been our largest trading partner, ranked number one, for 15 years… so it’s not surprising or unusual,” he told reporters after presenting donations to the elderly, single mothers, and places of worship in conjunction with Deepavali 2024, at the Rantau Community Hall here yesterday.
The Rembau MP said the visit of a delegation from China to a school in the state was also made through official applications to the relevant ministries.
Penang tourism exco Wong Hon Wai reportedly urged the public not to speculate on the visit of two military ships from China, along with students from the Naval University of China, to Penang Port last Saturday.
— Bernama