China describes India as 'partner'

BEIJING: Ahead of Premier Wen Jiabao's India visit, China today said it viewed New Delhi as a partner rather than a competitor.

"India and China, besides being neighbours are partners rather than competitors," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu told reporters answering questions on Wen's forthcoming visit to New Delhi.

She did not announce the dates of Wen's trip, though the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said the Chinese Premier will pay a State visit to India from December 15 to 17.

Wen will also be visiting Pakistan after his visit to India.

Cooperation between India and China is expanding in various fields and "we would like to work with India to promote bilateral relations," Jiang said.

Replying to a question on the India-China boundary dispute, she said it was a "left-over of history."

The two sides agreed to address the issues through consultation and dialogue and seek a solution acceptable to them, Jiang said.

Asked how China viewed the deepening relations between India and the United States, she said Beijing was open to countries conducting friendly relations and cooperation.

About China-Pakistan relations, she said the two countries are "neighbours, partners and friends" enjoying all- weather friendship.

Consolidating relations with Pakistan and taking the ties to a "strategic height" is a priority for the Chinese diplomacy, she said, adding that "all dimensional cooperation" between the two counties is proceeding "smoothly with good momentum."

"We would like to maintain momentum of high-level visits with Pakistan to promote bilateral relations," she said.