India doesn’t seek to contain China, expects the same’
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday laid out seven principles of engagement with China as he assured an audience of future Chinese leaders that India is not part of any strategy to contain China's rise.
"Frankly, old theories of alliances and containment are no longer relevant. India and China cannot be contained and our recent history is testimony to this. Nor should we seek to contain others," Singh said in his address to the Central Party School, which runs courses for select party members from the provinces, government departments and even business.
Singh allayed concerns on India's strategic partnership with the US, emphasizing that none of New Delhi's relationships are directed against China but added that he expected the same from China.
"Our strategic partnerships with other countries are defined by our own economic interests, needs and aspirations. They are not directed against China or anyone else. We expect a similar approach from China."
At the same time, the PM was quite upfront about India's position on security in the Asia-Pacific, where China has been quite aggressive.
"While this region embodies unparalleled dynamism and hope, it is also one with ...unresolved disputes. It will be in our mutual interest to work for a cooperative, inclusive and rule-based security architecture that enhances our collective security... "
The highlight of his address were the seven principles of engagement, which he said were like a "beautiful tangram that emerges from seven different shapes..(and) would together create a beautiful tapestry of India-China relations in the years ahead".
The seven principles:
* Reaffirm the five principles of Panchsheel in the spirit of mutual respect, sensitivity to each other's interests, sovereignty as well as mutual and equal security.
* Adhere to bilateral mechanisms to maintain peace and tranquility on the border while seeking to "quickly resolve" the boundary question.
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