By NNN-PTI
Beijing : Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Monday said that China and India do not not pose a threat to each other, in comments that assume significance in the backdrop of speculation that Beijing is unhappy with the growing Indo-US strategic relationship.
Friendship is the “mainstream of China-India relations”, he emphasised pointing out that in more than 2,000 years of friendly ties “times of unpleasant memories” lasted two to three years only.
In a rare gesture, the Chinese leader received PTI correspondent Anil Joseph to bid him farewell on his posting back to India after a 11-year stint here.
“This is the first time for me to have a one-to-one meeting with a correspondent to bid farewell. That is why today I wish to speak from my heart, away from all those usual protocols”, the 65-year-old Premier said.
Wen then went on to speak warmly about growing ties with India, stressing that the development of the two countries “are each others’ opportunity rather than a threat”.
Looking forward to the expected visit of his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh to China later this year, Wen indicated that a red carpet welcome awaited the Indian leader.
Describing the visit as a “big event”, the Premier said “we are now now making vigorous preparations for the visit to ensure that it will be a success.”