Foreign Correspondence

[Amaunet]

U.S. Makes Another Move on Malaysia

ASEAN says no to US patrolling Malacca Straits but we may not give them a choice.
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Malaysia, U.S. To Hold Joint Military Exercise in South China Sea
By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia

Posted 12 July, 2004 13:36
Malaysia and the United States will hold a joint naval and land exercise in the South China Sea aimed at bolstering military ties, the U.S. embassy said July 12.

“Malaysian soldiers and sailors will be joining with their U.S. counterparts this week for the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (Carat) exercises,” it said in a statement.

This year’s exercise off Malaysia’s Pahang state would feature simulated landings with Malaysian troops riding U.S. amphibious landing craft, it said.



The U.S. guided-missile destroyer Russell is participating in the exercise under task group commander Capt. Buzz Little. They will remain in Malaysia until the weekend.

“The Carat mission helps enhance regional cooperation, increase interoperability and builds stronger friendship between the U.S. and Malaysia,” the embassy said. “It also strengthens professional skills at every level for the military personnel involved.”

Last month Malaysia and the United States mended fences after an angry dispute over protecting international shipping against terrorist attacks in the vital Malacca Straits.

Malaysia reacted strongly to reports that Washington was considering deploying Marines in the straits to counter terrorist threats in the narrow waterway, which carries a third of world trade, saying this would infringe on its sovereignty.

Malaysia, a mainly Muslim state, angrily dismissed the idea, saying U.S. forces in the area would attract terrorism rather than repel attacks.

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=3084599&C=landwar