CHINA-MENON 2 LST

India and China are two big neighbours who engage with
each other, whose ties have regional and global significance
and who do lot of business with each other, Menon said.
"The purpose is to look at the entire relationship and
how we can carry forward. We discussed bilateral relationship,
various opportunities it presents on various issues we face
and other global issues.
"My overall impression is that both of us are keen to
move the relationship forward. We achieved a great deal over
time in the last few years," he said.
Asked about the Pakistan factor in India-China relations,
Menon said, "I think we are in a situation where different
powers deal with each other. We are no longer in a zero-sum
situation. Our relationship with China is not dependent on the
state of our relationship with Pakistan or vice versa."
"Judging by what we have seen over last few years, it is
also true of China. Nowhere in talks there is any such linkage
by them or by us. That is how the mature powers behave."
Replying to a question about China's support to India's
bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, Menon
said the issue figured in the talks and Beijing reiterated its
stand that it understands New Delhi's aspirations in this
regard.
Pakistan's Ambassador to China Masood Khan, meanwhile,
was quoted by the state-run 'China Daily' as saying that the
issue of cooperation to build two nuclear reactors with the
Chinese assistance was in Zardari's agenda for talks with the
leadership here.
During his visit, Zardari would meet President Hu Jintao,
Prime Minster Wen Jiabao and other top Chinese leaders.
Chinese Foreign Office spokesperson, Qin Gang, skirted
questions like whether any agreement would be signed during
Zardari's visit on the two nuclear power reactors.
The two sides would sign agreements for cooperation in
areas of public health, economy and trade, he said.
Asked whether China was trying to balance its ties with
India and Pakistan by having close relations with both of
them, Qin said the two countries are China's neighbours. "We
hope to have good neighbourly friendly and cooperative
relations with both the countries."
"We also hope to see improvement of relations between
India and Pakistan. If India's relations with Pakistan
improve, China will be very happy about it. China is ready to
work with India and Pakistan to promote bilateral relations.
It benefits not only our people, but also works for regional
peace and prosperity," he said.
On Menon's visit, he said the two sides exchanged views
on deepening bilateral cooperation and coordination in the
international and regional affairs.
The two sides agreed to enhance mutual trust and expand
mutually beneficial cooperation and step up consultation on
major international and regional affairs and push forward
bilateral relations. PTI