India, China not rivals: Wen, 16 Bi USD deals to be signed

New Delhi, Dec 15 (PTI) Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on
Wednesday said India and China are not 'rivals' and that there
is enough space for both the countries to develop and prosper,
as their companies were poised to sign 16 billion dollars
worth deals.
Seeking to shore up 'fragile' India-China ties, Wen
arrived here on a three-day visit and struck a warm chord
when he said " my visit in India is a journey of friendship
and journey of cooperation." China's Ambassador Zhang Yan said
on Tuesday that 'special care' is needed for the 'fragile
ties' betweeen the two Asian giants.
Wen, who will have summit talks with Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh on Thursday, also rejected the oft made
"dragon" and "elephant" comparison between China and India.
"China and India are partners for cooperation and not
rivals in competition. There is enough space in the world for
the development of both China and India and there are enough
areas for us to cooperate," he said addressing industry
leaders of the two countries at a meeting organised by the
apex chambers here in his first major engagement.
He said some people described China and India as
economic competitors and likened them to a 'dragon' and an
'elephant.'
"I don't agree with such a view and I don't think
business people agree either," Wen said.
After multi-billion dollar deals with US and French
companies, Indian businesses are due to ink USD 16 billion
worth deals with China's industry.
Wen himself made a reference to the deals when he said
"The (investment and trade promotion) mission is scheduled to
sign economic and trade agreement worth more than USD 16
billion with Indian companies."
In a statement immediately after his arrival here, Wen
said, "My current visit is aimed at promoting friendship,
expanding cooperation, building on our past achievements and
opening up new dimensions for mutual benefit and common
development of the two countries."
Six Tibetans were detained as they staged a demonstration
outside Taj Palace Hotel, where Wen is staying, while a large
group of people marched through the streets in the capital to
protest against his visit.(MORE) PTI