KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 8): China, in dismissing a Wall Street Journal report that alleged it had offered to bail out 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) in return for lucrative contracts, said it never attaches political conditions on its cooperation with other countries, according to a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia tonight.

"China has all along adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of any other country. China never attaches political conditions on our cooperation with other countries.

"We promote the 'Belt and Road' Initiative under the principles of wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, with an aim to pursue shared development and prosperity. We do not accept any groundless accusations made against China," the statement read.

The statement was sent out this evening in response to journalists' questions about the WSJ report dated Jan 7 which alleged that senior Chinese leaders had in 2016 offered to bail out 1MDB in return for stakes in railway and pipeline projects from Malaysia.

In the news report, WSJ said minutes of a series of previously undisclosed meetings it reviewed indicated that Chinese officials told visiting Malaysians that China would use its influence to try to get the US and other countries to drop their probes on allegations that allies of then Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and others had plundered 1MDB.

It also said, citing the minutes, that the Chinese had also offered to bug the homes and offices of WSJ reporters in Hong Kong, who were investigating the strategic investment fund, to learn who was leaking information to the reporters.

In tonight's statement, the Chinese Embassy said China is committed to working together with Pakatan Harapan Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to create a brighter future for China-Malaysia relations.

"China and Malaysia have all along treated each other as friendly neighbors and sincere partners. Based on the principle of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit, two countries have been jointly promoting the Belt and Road Initiative and expanding pragmatic cooperation, which contributes significantly to the economic development of both countries and brings about tangible benefits to the two peoples.

"This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia and opens up new opportunities for China-Malaysian relations," it added.