Beijing cool to India-China-Russia triangle

Ulhas Joglekar ulhasj at bom4.vsnl.net.in
Thu Apr 13 19:02:29 PDT 2000


Monday 10 April 2000

Beijing cool to India-China-Russia triangle BEIJING: China has indicated it is not keen on a strategic India-China-Russia triangle but said it wants increased cooperation with its two important neighbours to establish a new equitable international political order. ``China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace and wishes to develop, on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co-existence, friendly relations and cooperation with all countries, India and Russia included,'' Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan told PTI in an interview, indicating Beijing's lack of enthusiasm for a three-way relationship. Tang was specifically asked to comment on the proposal of previous Russian premier Yevgeny Primakov of the strategic triangle. He said China is optimistic about the prospects of Sino-India relations, and is ready to continue to strengthen, through bilateral channels, its coordination and cooperation with India and Russia in international affairs. ``The three countries have broad consensus on major issues such as establishing a new international order, opposing neo-interventionism and promoting multipolarisation of the world,'' he noted. Stating that the existing partnership of cooperation between China and Russia will continue to play a positive role in establishing a new international political and economic order, Tang said adding: ``Sino-Indian ties have also entered a new process of improvement and development, thanks to the joint efforts of both sides.'' Tang said China is ready to further strengthen consultation and cooperation with India in international affairs. Commenting on possible Sino-Indian cooperation in the establishment of a multipolar world, the Chinese minister said the two largest developing nations have common ground on many international issues. ``China and India have a major role in maintaining world peace and stability, upholding the purposes and principles of the UN charter and the universally recognised norms governing state-to-state relations,'' he said. Tang said the two nations also oppose interference in the internal affairs of others under the pretext of human rights over sovereignty, and favoured establishing a just and equitable new international political order. ``It is impossible for all countries to adopt a uniform model or set of values, still less should they be led by one country,'' the Chinese minister commented in an obvious reference to US pressure on China to dismantle the Communist party-led government and embrace democracy. Multipolarity represents an inevitable trend of the times and is irresistible as it conduces to world peace and stability and conforms to the aspirations of the vast majority of countries and peoples in the world, Tang said, opposing Washington's attempts to wield global hegemony. (PTI)

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