LD CHINA 2LAST

Ahead of the meeting, the two countries, which have
recently been engaged in recriminations over Arunachal Pradesh
and other issues, talked in conciliatory language.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee downplayed the
recent war of words and expressed confidence that the two
countries would resolve the border row amicably through talks.
Mukherjee, who held the External Affairs Ministry
portfolio in the previous UPA government, disagreed when it
was suggested that China had been "strident" recently while
India's response was being perceived as soft.
Chinese Ambassador to India Zhang Yan also told
reporters here that "Nothing should be worried or concerned
(about)" as "our relationship is on a very good term and our
leaders and officers-in-charge, including the Chinese Embassy,
are committed to advance our relationship in a cooperative and
mutually beneficial way."
Mukherjee said it was not for the first time or
"sudden" that issues related to Arunachal have cropped up.
"Whenever they make any comment, our response is
measured and as it should be. Chinese comments on the Prime
Minister's visit to Arunachal is not for the first time," he
said.
"Even earlier when the Prime Minister went (to
Arunachal), they (China) made that comment. When I first
visited Tawang, some of the Chinese newspapers brought out the
story that India's Foreign Minister is visiting Southern
Tibet," Mukherjee said, while noting that "Time to time, they
have raised this issue (of Arunachal)". PTI PYK
PMR


The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this
message are intended for the exclusive
use of the addressee(s) and may contain proprietary, confidential or privileged
information. If you are not the intended
recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please
notify the sender immediately and destroy
all copies of this message and any attachments contained in it.