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New Delhi firm on friendly ties with China

In a swift move to check the possible downslide in its relations with China following Defence Minister George Fernandes's statement that India faces the biggest threat from Beijing, New Delhi today reiterated that it was committed to the development of a friendly, co-operative, good neighbourly and mutually beneficial relationship with that country.

''The high-level political dialogue (between the two countries) has made an important contribution to the deepening understanding and fostering cooperation in diverse fields,'' a statement issued by the external affairs ministry said.

An MEA spokesman said trade and economic interaction between the two countries had increased manifold in recent years. There was also a growing interaction between scholars, academicians, officials and people from different walks of life.

The MEA statement said, ''This development is in keeping with the common endeavour of India and China to develop their respective economies and to improve the standard of living of their peoples.''

The spokesman's reaction came a day after China denounced Fernandes's statement.

Asked if Beijing had lodged any formal protest with New Delhi against the defence minister's remarks, the spokesman replied in the negative. The statement had been issued after taking everything into consideration, he added.

''Eliminating differences and promoting understanding would contribute to the development of good neighbourly relations between India and China, two of the world's largest largest and most populous countries,'' he said.

It would also contribute to the promotion of regional and international peace and stability, he added.

UNI

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