The prime minister said stability there is important as the region is strategically positioned for trade.

“Our appeal to big powers is to keep all these weapons of war from these areas.

“There might be accidents, and as you know, accidents may lead to war,” he said at an event here today.

He added that Malaysia must maintain friendly relations with all countries as trade plays an important role in the nation’s growth.

Last month, Mahathir said there was no direct threat to Malaysia from the presence of Chinese warships in the South China Sea or the deployment of US missiles in the area.

However, he said Malaysia had no wish to take sides with anyone if “accidents” happen which lead to “some fighting”.

In August, meanwhile, Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said Asean wanted fewer warships in the disputed waters to ensure peace and stability, safety and freedom of navigation.

Mahathir said today that Southeast Asia was the transit point for trade and business between the East and the West.

“At the moment, in the Straits of Melaka and the South China Sea, trade passages are still free from obstruction. But once people start sending warships into these areas, there will be tension.”

So far, he said, none of the “big powers” appeared to have provoked a crisis.

“To that extent, Asean has succeeded together. Malaysia’s policy has always been to be friendly to everyone,” he added.

“We do not care what system they have or what ideologies they follow. We want to trade with them, and to trade with them, we have to be friendly with them.

“Of course, there will be people who create difficulties, but we have to tolerate that.”