The Malaysia-China High Level Consultation Meeting will be held annually to discuss various issues especially relating to military and security.

Ahmad Zahid Umno VP Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the meeting was a pragmatic step in realising closer relationship between Malaysia and China.

Malaysia and China signed a military cooperation agreement in 2005.

"We hope that this meeting will resolve existing issues," Ahmad Zahid told reporters after receiving a courtesy call from Chinese deputy chief of general staff, Gen Ma Xiaotian, at the Ministry of Defence in Kuala Lumpur today.

Ahmad Zahid said cooperation would create stability in Asean region and boost the defence industry, training and exchange of senior officers.

Armed Forces chief Gen Zulkifeli Md Zain has been invited to visit China next year.

Cooperation between the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security and China's research institution Strategic Defence Studies will also be organised.

On overlapping claims in the South China Sea, Ahmad Zahid said: "We don't focus on the South China Sea as Malaysia and China know what is happening.

"Both countries understand the need to create stability in Asean region so that the South China Sea does not become an area of conflict."

- Bernama