Mahathir says Beijing 'can claim' South China Sea, no need for war

Malaysia's ex-leader urges ASEAN to stay neutral, eyes possible Trump return in U.S.

20240524 Future of Asia (Day2-5) Former Prime Minister Malaysia Mahathir bin Mohamad

Malaysian former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaks at the Future of Asia forum in Tokyo on May 24, 2024. (Photo by Mizuho Miyazaki)

MITSURU OBE and RISA SATO, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Malaysia's former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Friday downplayed China's claims to much of the South China Sea, arguing it is more important to avoid clashing with the country led by "ambitious" President Xi Jinping.

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