KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will seek views from China on the formation of a tri-lateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US) known as Aukus, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said.
According to the Senior Minister (Security), his ministry is planning a working visit to China soon to discuss the matter, especially on defence-related issues.
This follows last week's announcement by the US, UK, and Australia on a new security partnership that seeks to strengthen stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Hishammuddin warned that untoward incidents might be triggered if the matter is not properly and diplomatically managed as it involved world superpowers and this, he said, could affect the safety of the region.
"We will try to look into it, but it is not easy to balance between two great world powers, to see that our security and sovereignty in this region is defended," he said when delivering his wrap-up speech on the motion of thanks to the Royal Address today.
Following last week's announcement, the US and UK said they would assist Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, which would allow the Australian navy to help counter Chinese nuclear-powered vessels in the region.
In an immediate response, China denounced the Aukus, describing it as a Western ally partnership which "seriously undermined regional peace and stability as well as intensified the arms race".
Recently, Hishammuddin said his Australian counterpart Peter Dutton had contacted Malaysia to discuss the Aukus and the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).
"Two days ago I had a phone call with the Australian Defence Minister and also advised him that apart from Malaysia, it is also important to approach Brunei as the Asean chairman.
"I have conveyed Malaysia's stance as stated by our Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri), which is, the newly established tri-lateral security pact between Australia, the UK, and the US had created some concerns.
"This is because it has the potential to disrupt security and stability in the South-East Asian region and therefore, all parties should refrain from using any military action that can be considered provocative," he said.
On a separate note, the Sembrong Member of Parliament said his ministry was ready to build more field hospitals in the country, adding that it is now waiting for the green light from the Health Ministry.