China not a threat to India, says Premier Keqiang
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday said here that his country was not a threat to India and nor did it sought to contain her southern neighbour. Li, who took office recently, said this while speaking on his vision for India, the country which h chose as his first official destination as the country's premier. Li, who greeted his audience at an event jointly organised by the ICWA and FICCI, with a traditional 'namaste' and addressed areas of New Delhi's concern. He said India and China did not shy away from addressing the boundary issue and have the capacity to find a mutually acceptable solution to the crucial issue.
He said his talks with the Indian leadership was candid, frank and fruitful, adding that both the countries should view "each other's development as major opportunities for ourselves" and that they have more common interests than differences. He linked the development of China's western provinces like Xinjiang and Yunnan with India's Look East policy. Li said both the countries should improve relevant mechanism for dealing with the border issues and jointly oversee peace in those areas. He also said that they have taken note of trans-border rivers and would make detailed information available. Li also said that since both countries have huge market potential, Beijing would see that Chinese investors increase investments in India and also help the Indian products to have an access in the neighbour's market
The two sides he said, "should improve relevant mechanism for dealing with border affairs including efficiency, properly manage...And jointly maintain peace and tranquility in border areas. This serves the shared interests of two countries".
The Chinese Premier said they had taken on board India's concerns on trans-border rivers and would make available more detailed information. On bilateral trade, Li said he preferred that there should be "dynamic trade balance", and that China was not interested in maintaining only a trade surplus. But independent experts observed that reversing this may be a tough job. "India and China are huge markets with huge potential...we will support Chinese enterprises to increase investments in India and help Indian products have access to Chinese market," he added.
Noting that China is still a developing country, he said, "I want the voice of developing countries to be stronger. China and India are linked to each other through natural boundaries. Our friendly relations date back to ancient time."
Liberally dipping into Confucius's words of wisdom, he observed "a distant relative may not be useful as a near neighbour." And later, illustrating how China valued peace, he recited, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Earlier, as soon as Li Keqiang started his speech, a rat-a-tat broke the silence. Sounding just like gunfire, the sound even startled the Premier until everyone realized it was only the static effects from the amplifier system. Laughing, Li said, "It's a prelude to what I am going to say.
China is not a threat to India, Li Keqiang says - The Times of India
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