Downturn in China-Malaysia ties only temporary, say analysts

Diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia have frayed since Beijing accused Kuala Lumpur of withholding information about the missing airplane but the tension will be temporary, analysts say.

Beijing would need to maintain good relations with Malaysia to balance out its dealings with other Southeast Asian nations that were bitterly disputing territory issues with China in the South China Sea, according to political observers.

China and Malaysia last October signed off on a comprehensive strategic partnership, and the two nations plan to stage their first joint military drills sometime this year.

Bilateral ties have been tested by the disappearance of Flight MH370 on March 8, with Beijing officials expressing their dismay at Malaysia's search effort and its conclusions.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said on March 13 that Malaysia's information was "chaotic".

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent special envoy Zhang Yesui to Kuala Lumpur to "ask the Malaysian side to properly handle related issues", Xinhua reported.