According to the daily report on May 21 on the website of Malaysia's New Straits Times, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that China is an important neighbor of Malaysia.

In an interview broadcast on the morning of the 19th, Anwar said that Malaysia has no contradiction with this economic giant.

He was asked whether the United States had ever tried to manipulate matters related to Malaysia China relations.

He said, "We did explain that China is an important neighbor and we have no contradiction with them."

He said: "It is not only Malaysia's responsibility, but also ASEAN's responsibility to maintain independence, abide by the principle of neutrality, and do our best to focus on economic development, so as to increase trade and strengthen investment."

"This is being properly communicated to the United States," he said

According to the report, Anwar said in the interview that China's claim to sovereignty over the South China Sea may not bring tension.

He said that although one or two ASEAN countries raised some concerns, Malaysia will continue to use bilateral mechanisms for discussions and negotiations. (Compiled by/Li Sha)