Asia Times: India puts its case to China


	May 19, 2001	atimes.com

India/Pakistan

India puts its case to China

NEW DELHI - Following its recent enthusiastic support of the United States' National Missile Defense (NMD) scheme, India this week had the opportunity to defend its view with China - a staunch opponent of President George W Bush's master plan.

External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh and Communist Party of China (CPC) Politburo Member Li Changchun had over an hour's discussion on Thursday during which they explained their conflicting positions on the issue.

Li, who is in Delhi on the invitation of Singh, made clear China's opposition to the NMD plan, just as Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji had in Pakistan on Monday during his tour of that country.

However, both sides said the "commonalties between India and China far outweigh our differences". An Indian foreign affairs spokesman said the meeting also had a strong "economic focus" as Li is the also the secretary of the CPC's Guandong Provincial unit, which has two of China's three biggest industrial growth areas.

But in a veiled reference to outstanding border issues, the visiting Chinese leader said, "Mutually acceptable solutions should be found by adopting pragmatic and responsible attitudes."

Singh commented, "It is our continuing conviction that as two ancient civilizations, there is no other alternative but to pursue the path of peace and development". Describing Li as India's "honored guest", Singh said he had ''very good discussions" covering bilateral, economic, international, regional and developmental issues.

Stating that this was his first visit to India, Li said he was "deeply impressed by the rapid developments made by India economically" and by the "friendly sentiments of the Indian people". The Chinese leader said he had "very good, friendly talks" with Singh.

(Asia Times Online/Asia Pulse)

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