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Show flexibility to improve ties, China tells India

China wants India to show flexibility in reciprocating to the Chinese stand on Sikkim to pave the way for reaching a final solution to the problems in the relations between the two countries, Chinese Ambassador to India Zhou Gang said in Calcutta.

Speaking to the media yesterday, Gang said his government had asked India not to allow dissident Tibetan activities byTibetans which might hinder the process of normalising bilateral relations.

The newly-appointed Chinese ambassador said his country had already taken some flexible measures with regard to Sikkim.

''We wish India would also take similar measures so that the problems between the two countries could be solved.''

Gang, however, declined to divulge whether his country wanted a change in the Indian stand on the Aksai Chin issue.

Replying to a question on the Tibetan activities in India, Gang said the Chinese government had reminded India to abide by its commitment not to allow any such political activities which would displease China.

''We hope India will respond to our request by keeping its word,'' he said.

Dwelling on the Chinese stand on India, the ambassador said his country wished India domestic and internal peace, social harmony and economic progress. ''We are for developing and restoring our relationship with this country on the basis of Panchsheel, which will create a conducive atmosphere for peace and stability in South Asia.''

He also reiterated the Chinese rebuttal of the allegation that his country was a potential threat to India and said these accusations are baseless.

UNI

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