The Hindu : Front Page : Ties with China poised for vibrant phase: Manmohan

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Sunday, Jan 13, 2008
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Ties with China poised for vibrant phase: Manmohan

Sandeep Dikshit

Begins crucial visit to Beijing today

NEW DELHI: On the eve of his maiden visit to China, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said relations with Beijing were poised to enter a “dynamic and vibrant phase.”

“Our bilateral relations are now poised to enter a vibrant and dynamic phase, based on a common recognition that the growth and development of both India and China will make positive and long-term contributions to regional and global peace, security and stability,” he said.

In a statement, Dr. Singh said both India and China shared a desire to enhance the relationship bilaterally and globally. He looked forward to his meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and National People’s Congress Chairman Wu Bangguo.

He said both sides were in the process of giving “substantive content” to the partnership through a comprehensive economic engagement and developing mutually beneficial cooperation. Issues relating to the boundary and cooperation in trans-boundary rivers would be discussed. “I will be discussing how we can work more closely with China on regional, multilateral and global issues.”

Noting that China was the focal point of India’s “Look-East” policy, he recalled that both had established a Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity during Mr. Wen’s visit in 2005. Mr. Hu’s visit the next year saw the evolution of a 10-point strategy to qualitatively upgrade the bilateral ties.

Ministers’ assertion

As Dr. Singh sounded positive of his visit, two senior Union Ministers said India and China would continue to rely on the mechanism of dialogue to solve the border issue. “There is nothing to be worried of at this point of time and the mechanisms which we have are doing well,” External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told a TV channel.

He said Chinese incursions took place “sometimes” across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) but there was no need to press the “panic button.”

Asked a similar question, Defence Minister A.K. Antony told presspersons: “Whenever there is any issue, it is always taken up with the appropriate channels and that system is continuing. At this moment I do not want go into the details. Our Prime Minister is going to China. Let’s hope that the visit will be successful.”

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