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China, India do not pose threat to each other: Wen

BEIJING: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday said that China and India did not pose a threat to each other, in comments that assume significance in the backdrop of speculation that Beijing is unhappy with the growing India-U.S. strategic relationship.

Friendship was the “mainstream of China-India relations,” he emphasised, pointing out that in more than 2,000 years of friendly ties, “times of unpleasant memories” lasted two to three years only.

In a rare gesture, the Chinese leader received a PTI correspondent Anil Joseph to bid him farewell on his posting back to India after an 11-year stint here.

“This is the first time for me to have a one-to-one meeting with a correspondent to bid farewell. That is why today I wish to speak from my heart, away from all those usual protocols,” he said.

Mr. Wen also spoke about growing ties with India, stressing that the development of the two countries “are each others’ opportunity rather than a threat.”

Looking forward to the expected visit of his Indian counterpart, Manmohan Singh, to China later this year, Mr. Wen indicated that a red carpet welcome awaited the Indian leader.

Describing the visit as a “big event,” the Premier said, “we are now making vigorous preparations for the visit to ensure that it will be a success.” Mr. Wen said, “Prime Minister Singh and I have said before that when the two of us shake hands, the eyes of the entire world are onus.

“We wish the Indian people happiness and India prosperity. We also wish continued progress in the friendly relations and cooperation between China and India.”— PTI

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