Good neighborly cooperation

Q: The last decade in many ways was marked by the rise of China and to an extent India. In the new strategic environment where the United States has pivoted to Asia and is endeavoring to woo India, how concerned is China? There are voices in China who say India will pursue an independent foreign policy. Is that your perception too?

A: The Asia-Pacific region, with relative stability and rapid development, is an important driver of the global economic recovery and growth, thanks to the joint efforts of all countries in the region. We hope that the shift in the US' Asia-Pacific strategy will be in keeping with the trend of the times and meet the common aspiration of the region for more stability, closer cooperation and common development.

China welcomes the efforts of India and the US to grow normal relations on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and hopes that their cooperation will promote peace and stability of the region. In my view, India is a country of strategic independence. It will not be wooed or ordered about by anyone else. Being a pioneer of the Non-Aligned Movement and a large emerging country with growing international influence, India will stick to its traditional independent foreign policy and contribute to the peace and development of the region and beyond.

Q: Critics in India point to China's close "all-weather" relations with Pakistan, especially in defense. What is your response to them? Has the Sino-Indian relationship now outgrown the Pakistan factor?

A: Pakistan is a neighbor and traditional friend of China. China and Pakistan have developed relations in an open and aboveboard manner. There is no hidden agenda, and the relationship is not targeted at any third party. China provides Pakistan with economic and humanitarian assistance within the realm of our capabilities and we carry out cooperation in various areas. It is conducive to the stability and development of Pakistan and consistent with the interests of all countries in the region.

Both India and Pakistan are close neighbors and friends of China. We sincerely hope that India and Pakistan will have a friendly relationship and applaud the improvement in their relations. China will work with India and Pakistan to build sound and mutually reinforcing relations between our three countries and create a peaceful and stable regional environment based on equality, mutual trust and win-win cooperation.