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CHINA's offer to supply Malaysia advanced rocket launchers and a radar system has rocked more than just the military community in the region, it even got the usually staid Singapore to request confirmation of the purchase. The Malaysian Insight had reported the Chinese offer on Wednesday, and within 24 hours, it is understood that Singapore diplomats were pressing Putrajaya for further details, although none were forthcoming. Sources said Malaysia's reticence was simple, as the Chinese offer was made at a high-level meeting during Prime Minister Najib Razak's Beijing trip last May. "The Chinese made the offer with generous terms during the discussions, and the Malaysian side politely said it will be considered.
"Nothing is on paper yet. It hasn't gone beyond the verbal stage between the top leaders," a source told The Malaysian Insight. "So there's nothing to be excited about. We don't go asking our neighbours if it is true they buy this or that. So what's the fuss about?" he added. Malaysian officials including Defence deputy minister Johari Baharum were caught off-guard by The Malaysian Insight's report and said they had no knowledge of any offer. "It is on a need to know basis, and some people don't need to know," said another source from Malaysia. He pointed out that military purchases were confidential matters although offers are made at all times at various defence trade shows and expos. "People show their products, make offers and we just smile," added the Malaysian source. On Wednesday, The Malaysian Insight reported that China will offer advanced rocket launchers and a radar system to be based in Johor, reflecting the widening defence and trade ties between both countries in the South China Sea region. The generous low-interest offer was to be made by a high-level delegation headed by Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy during a visit for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) launch that day. "Up to 12 units of the AR3 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) will be offered to Malaysia in a purchase program with a loan period of 50 years," a source told The Malaysian Insight.
"The MLRS, which has a top range of 220km, will be located in Johor with a radar system," added the source, confirming The Malaysian Insight's report last Aprilabout the offer.
The report did not say Putrajaya had confirmed agreeing to the latest offer from China. "They know we are interested in acquiring further military equipment, so the offer was made verbally in Beijing last May and again in Kuantan this week. That's all," added the source from Malaysia. Malaysia has previously inked a deal to buy four littoral mission ships from China, its most significant purchase from the Middle Kingdom that was seen as a blow to its traditional defence suppliers in the West. – August 11, 2017.
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发表于 11-8-2017 02:14 PM
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