Beijing, Jan.14 - H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of the Republic of lndia, and H.E. Mr. Wen Jiabao, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, yesterday met in Beijing with the aim of strengthening peace and prosperity between the two nations as well as developing a strategic and cooperative partnership.

lndia and China, home to more than one-third of the world’s population, play a significant role in the future economic and social development of Asia and thus this meeting in Beijing served to further highlight the importance that both countries have attached to their role in maintaining sustainable economic and social development and simultaneously driving forward two of the most booming economies in the world.

In his speech Dr. Singh highlighted a number of important issues that the two nations must face as well as ways in which both China and India can work together in harmony to ensure that this development continues unabated. Here are some excerpts:

In his opening paragraphs, Dr. Singh strongly emphasized the importance of strengthening the relationship between India and China stating that: “the India-China friendship and common development will have a positive influence on the future of the international system. India-China relations are not targeted at any country, nor will it affect their friendship with other countries.”

“Both China and India believe that in the new century, Panchsheel, the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, should continue to constitute the basic guiding principles for good relations between all countries.”

Dr. Singh reiterated that: “An international system founded on these principles will be fair, rational, equal and mutually beneficial, will promote durable peace and common prosperity, create equal opportunities and eliminate poverty and discrimination.”

 
“It is the right of each country to choose its own path of social, economic and political development in which fundamental human rights and the rule of law are given their due place, should be respected. An international system founded in tolerance and respect for diversity will promote the cause of peace and reduce the use, or threat of use, of force. Drawing lines on the ground of ideologies and values, or on geographical criteria, is not conducive to peaceful and harmonious coexistence.”

He then added that: “the continuous democratization of international relations and multilateralism are an important objective in the new century. The central role of the United Nations in promoting international peace, security and development should be recognized and promoted. India and China will not only give their full support to a comprehensive reform of the United Nations but would also strongly encourage increasing the representation of developing countries in the Security Council.”

Along similar lines Dr. Singh cited India’s willingness to achieve permanent membership of the UN Security Council – an aspiration to which he believes China will give their full support now it attaches great importance to India’s position in the growing Asian economy.

Dr. Singh then went on to discuss the processes of “regional integration” and the important role it has to play in the “emerging international economic system.”

“India and China hope to strengthen their coordination and consultation within regional cooperation mechanisms including the East Asia Summit and to make joint efforts for further regional integration of Asia. Within the framework of the Asia-Europe Meeting the two sides are committed to strengthening and deepening Asia-Europe comprehensive partnership.”

“This can be achieved by creating sub-regional multilateral cooperation processes between like-minded countries, including the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation and Shanghai Cooperation Organization.”

“The establishment of an open, fair, equitable, transparent and rule-based multilateral trading system is the common aspiration of all countries. We favor the early conclusion of the Doha Development Round, placing the issues that affect the poorest of the poor at its core as well as strengthening coordination with other developing countries in order to secure shared objectives.”

Moving onto environmental issues, Dr. Singh talked about “the common interest of the international community to establish an international energy order that is fair, equitable, secure and stable, and to the benefit of the entire international community”, adding that the two sides are committed to “making joint efforts to diversify the global energy mix and enhance the share of clean and renewable energy, so as to meet the energy requirements of all countries.”

“India and China welcome the opportunity to work together in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, which is of great potential significance in meeting the global energy challenge in an environmentally sustainable manner.”

He also pledged to: “promote bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy, consistent with their respective international commitments, which will contribute to energy security and to dealing with risks associated with climate change.”

Recognizing the challenge that humankind faces from climate change, Dr. Singh mentioned that the issue of climate change should be taken “seriously” and reiterated India’s “readiness” to join the international community in the efforts to address climate change.

“The two sides welcome the outcome of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meeting in Bali in December 2007 and agree to work closely during the negotiation process laid out in the Bali Road Map for long term cooperative action under the Convention. We understand the importance of addressing climate change in accordance with principles and provisions of the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol, in particular the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.”

On disarment and world peace issues, Dr. Singh appealed to the international community to “move forward the processes of multilateral arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.”
“Outer space is the common heritage of humankind. It is the responsibility of all space-faring nations to commit to the peaceful uses of outer space.”

He also highlighted: “India’s categorical opposition to the weaponization and arms race in outer space,” as well as strongly condemning terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations, and in all regions of the world.”

“We pledge to work together and with the international community to strengthen the global framework against terrorism in a long-term, sustained and comprehensive manner. We believe that cultural and religious tolerance and dialogue between civilizations and peoples will contribute to overall peace and stability of our world and endorse all efforts to promote inter-civilizational and inter-faith dialogues.”

The next part of the speech highlighted the important influence that India and China’s bilateral relationship will have on a regional and global stage during this century.

“As major economies in the region, India and China believe that the strong growth in trade and economic relations is mutually beneficial, and welcome the conclusion of a Feasibility Study on a Regional Trading Arrangement (RTA) between the two countries. According to the report of the Feasibility Study, an lndia-China RTA will be mutually advantageous. Against the backdrop of accelerating regional economic integration in Asia, we wish to explore the possibility of commencing discussions on a mutually beneficial and high-quality RTA that meets the common aspirations of both countries, and will also benefit the region.”

Dr. Singh welcomed “the commencement of the India-China Defence Dialogue” and expressed satisfaction at the “successful conclusion” of the first joint antiterrorism training between their armed forces in December 2007.

He also thanked China for its efforts to set an example on “trans-border rivers” by commencing cooperation since 2002 and appreciated the assistance extended by China on the provision of flood season hydrological data which has ensured the safety and security of its population in the regions along these rivers, commenting that: “this has contributed positively to building mutual understanding and trust.”

On border issues Dr. Singh emphasized his hope that these kinds of problems could be solved “through peaceful negotiations” while ensuring that such differences should not “affect the positive development of bilateral relations.”

“We hope to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the border question and to build a boundary of peace and friendship on the basis of the Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question concluded in April 2005. The special representatives shall complete at an early date the task of arriving at an agreed framework of settlement on the basis of this Agreement.”

Finally, Dr. Singh was proud to mention that India was among the first countries to
recognize that there is: “one China and that its one China policy has remained unaltered”, and that lndia would “continue to abide by its one China policy, and oppose any activity that is against the one China principle.”

In conclusion Dr. Singh stated that: “we are determined to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of lndia and China, for the betterment of both countries and to bring about a brighter future for humanity.”

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