REMBAU: The recent docking of two Chinese navy ships in Penang is routine and it poses no threat to national security.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said this is due to the long-standing bilateral relations between Malaysia and China.
"There is no issue at all. It's not the first or second time navy ships have docked in our country. This is common.
"Ships from other countries, such as Australia, the United Kingdom, France and Japan, have also docked here before.
"We have had diplomatic relations with China for a long time. If we didn't have such relations and their ships suddenly docked here, that would be a different story.
"China has been our largest trading partner for 15 years. Hence, their navy ships docking here is not surprising," he said at Dewan Orang Ramai here today.
Mohamad was responding to criticism from the opposition for allowing training ships 'Qi Jiguang' and 'Jinggangshan' from Zhanjiang, China, to dock in Malaysia, calling it insensitive due to the ongoing conflict over the South China Sea.
On Chinese military personnel's visit to a school, Mohamad said approvals were obtained for the visit.
"Therefore, this matter should not be questioned even though there have been recent issues with Chinese maritime vessels entering Malaysian waters in the South China Sea."