Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak on Wednesday said China's military expenditure increase is in concert with its economic growth.

The 17 percent increase in China's military budget this year will not have a negative effect on the stability or the balance of power in the region, said Najib, who is also defense minister.

Najib, who is currently on an official tour to Japan, made the remarks in Tokyo after a talk on "Building a Comprehensive Security Environment in East Asia" at an event organized by Japan's Institute of International Affairs.

According to reports of Malaysian national news agency Bernama, Najib said he believes China will continue to give top priority to economic development and the increase in its military expenditure, which has ruffled some quarters, is in concert with China's economic growth and expansion.

"If we look at its (China's) capability, we could see that its military could not support to become an adventurous or an hegemonic military superpower in short and medium term," Najib was quoted as saying during a question and answer session.

Rather than fearing China's military capability, the region and the other world powers should engage China, suggested the Malaysian leader.

Najib arrived in Japan this Monday for a four-day visit. His next stop will be South Korea.

Source: Xinhua