Beijing, May 12: China, as the friend and neighbour of both India and Pakistan, is willing to see further relaxation of Indo-Pak relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing told his Indian counterpart, Yashwant Sinha today. "China supports and welcomes the efforts made by India and Pakistan to ease the situation in South Asia," Li said in a telephone conversation with Sinha, China’s news agency reported.
Sinha explained the current situation in South Asia and said India is ready to work with Pakistan to resolve their issues peacefully through dialogue and negotiation. He stressed that China attaches importance to strengthening friendship and cooperation with India.
Interestingly, the li-sinha telephonic talks came hours after Defence Minister George Fernandes announced that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee would visit China next month. Li also expressed his appreciation for India's support and assistance for China's fight against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Bureau Report