The Hindu : National : India, China do not consider each other a threat: Pranab

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 14, 2006

National

National

India, China do not consider each other a threat: Pranab

Special Correspondent

`A series of CBMs has seen to the growth of that perception'

Pranab Mukherjee

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said the possibility of an armed conflict with China had receded thanks to several confidence building measures (CBMs) being implemented by both countries to improve defence relations and eliminate tension on the border. The latest CBM agreed to by both sides during his recent visit was an institutional arrangement to deepen defence cooperation, he told a news conference here.

Asked whether India sought closer ties with China despite its being a source of arms supply to Pakistan, the Minister said India was aware of this aspect but it also recognised that China was interested in building good relations with India. "Neither do we consider them a threat to us nor do they consider us a threat to them. There is enough space for both to grow in their own areas. The basic objective of the CBMs is that both sides want a tension- free border. Therefore, the CBMs will enable both countries to utilise their energy for the overall development of people. If that fact is recognised, then I don't think they or we are trying to outmanoeuvre each other.

"Over the years both countries have realised they cannot alter their neighbourhood. If we have to live together, it is better to live in peace. The ice was broken in 1988 during Rajiv Gandhi's Beijing visit and this was followed up with three CBMs. China has also settled the very old issue of recognising Sikkim. The Special Representatives appointed by the two Prime Ministers have held two rounds of talks to resolve the border issue. All these positive developments recognise the fact that nobody is thinking in terms of an armed conflict."

Asked whether India and China could jostle for supremacy in future, Mr. Mukherjee said the strategic space was not limited. "It is also not correct to say that the entire space is occupied by China. I agree that China's economic growth and economic strength is more compared with India's but the impression that they have outpaced us in the region or on the world stage is not correct. They are playing their role and we are playing ours."

The Minister described the visit to China and Japan as fruitful. "It is not that we were able to resolve all outstanding issues but discussions took place in a cordial atmosphere and we created a good understanding among ourselves. Both countries have developed excellent relations with India in economic and political fields. We thought that this should get reflected in defence cooperation also."

Cooperation with Japan

India did not have deep defence cooperation with Japan but both countries moved closer after Tokyo recognised the need for building defence ties. A joint statement issued during his visit outlined the mechanism of strengthening defence cooperation and institutional arrangements, which will review this relationship.

Asked whether the increasing complexity of joint military exercises with other countries signalled India's desire to join military operations outside the ambit of the United Nations, Mr. Mukherjee said, "We are contemplating nothing outside the U.N." India's basic stand was that the collective action of nations should get reflected in the U.N. charter.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National