China-M'sia bilateral ties intact

KUALA LUMPUR: The missing MH370 incident will not have a negative effect on bilateral relations between China and Malaysia, said China's ambassador to Malaysia Dr Huang Huikang.
While expressing appreciation for the efforts of Malaysian authorities in the search and rescue operations for the MAS jetliner, he said the incident has affected both countries and has to be dealt with together.
"It is a difficult time for us and we should stand by each other and walk side by side. We share the feelings of Malaysia," he said in Parliament after paying a courtesy call on Dewan Rakyat president Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang today.
Huang said he was at the emergency centre at KLIA and had worked closely with the authorities, including meeting up with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and Acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
"It is our priority now to intensify our efforts and expand the scope of (the rescue operations). We are waiting for new developments. We share the responsibilities and will do our best to assist the government in the rescue efforts," he added.
Stressing that China will not give up hope on the search, he said the country has also intensified efforts and is preparing for the worst.
He said China is using 10 satellites to search for the plane, besides its 10 navy and rescue vessels.
Huang pointed out that families of the victims need to be updated from time to time as they are anxious to know about their missing loved ones.
It has been five days since the MH370 jet was reported missing, with 239 people on board, including 12 crew members.
However, despite intense search efforts assisted by various countries, there is still no trace of the aircraft.