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China declares it poses no threat to India

The position of China, a close ally of Pakistan, was put forth clearly by visiting Premier Zhu Rongji at a banquet hosted in his honour by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee where he said, "We are important and friendly neighbours to each other. China has never viewed India as a threat nor do we believe India will regard China a threat."

As Prime Minister Zhu Rongji began the official part of his six-day visit, the two sides agreed to further intensify economic cooperation, to resume direct flights between Beijing and New Delhi by March end and to promote business exchanges, tourism and people-to-people contacts.

Rongji had wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Indo-Pak developments, bilateral relations and international issues of mutual concern, which was followed by delegation-level talks.

In the context of the international situation 'undergoing complex and profound changes', the Chinese leader said as the two largest developing countries, India and China have on their shoulders important responsibilities for maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in Asia.

Vajpayee said, "Cooperation against terrorism is at the top of the agenda of all peace-loving countries, and I am happy that we have agreed today to jointly counter this menace".

The prime minister noted that the good progress in the process of clarification and confirmation of the Line of Actual Control signalled the intention to move ahead in different sectors in a 'defined and time-bound manner'.

He said, "These and other steps will go a long way in strengthening trust and understanding between the two countries."

The two sides signed an agreement on enhancing cooperation in tourism and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for cooperation in space, science and technology and providing hydrological information pertaining to the Brahmaputra river during flood season.

Vajpayee said bilateral relations had steadily built up a new momentum and have diversified in recent years.

Sharing New Delhi's concerns, Zhu said China was opposed to terrorism 'in all its forms, no matter when or where it occurs or whom it is directed against'.

The Chinese premier conveyed his personal sympathies for the December 13 terrorist attack on Parliament.

China also holds that the international community should enhance cooperation in its fight against terrorism and should take steps to root out terrorism.

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