China has dismissed reports of being harsh on Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao, who was summoned past midnight in Beijing on the Tibet issue, and said that the envoy has been treated very respectfully.
"I can responsibly say that what has been reported on this matter is not correct. We have treated your ambassador (Nirupama Rao) very respectably and we have a very good working relationship with your (Indian) Embassy in Beijing," Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yan said.
"I can assure you that nothing as depicted in the media has happened," he told reporters at the heavily fortified embassy, following the recent protests by Tibetans.
"We don't think it is a big issue. It is a very very minor issue. I don't think it will affect our relationship. On the contrary, both sides, that is my feeling, don't see anything wrong".
Though New Delhi has been silent on its envoy being summoned by the Chinese Foreign Ministry at an odd hour, government circles feel this could have been avoided.
On bilateral ties, Zhang acknowledged that there were some pending issues, which have not been resolved.
"Of course, we don't deny the differences on the remaining problems our two countries have. But what is important is to report factually and in the right perspective and not to cause problems to the two countries and instead promote the settlement of these problems."
"The problems are being handled by competent authorities. They are working on it and progress is being made. When the time arises, we will find solutions to the problems," he said.