China says South Asia ties 'no threat to third party'
Liang, the first Chinese defence minister to visit Sri Lanka, did not name India - where he heads to Sunday - but officials in New Delhi have expressed concerns about Beijing's influence in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan.
India fears it might be part of a Chinese policy to throw a "string of pearls" - a circle of influence - around regional rival India.
But in a speech released by Sri Lanka's military on Saturday, Liang said that China had only peaceful intentions in South Asia, while stressing that the Indian Ocean was an important supply route for his fast-developing country.
Beijing is seeking "harmonious co-existence and mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation" with countries in the region, he told a Sri Lankan army staff college on Thursday, according to a copy of the speech.
In New Delhi, the minister will be a guest of the defence ministry, an Indian government spokesman said, without giving details of what will be discussed.
India is warily eyeing growing Chinese clout in what New Delhi regards as its traditional sphere of influence.
Liang dismissed the "China-threat theory".
"Some people in the international community suspect that China would take the road of expansion with force and have been actively spreading the 'China-threat theory'," he said.
"The People's Liberation Army (China's armed forces) efforts in conducting friendly exchanges and cooperation with its counterparts in South Asian are intended for maintaining regional security and stability and not targeted at any third party," he added.
Liang said his trip to Colombo was aimed at further strengthening close ties with Sri Lanka, including military cooperation.
China is a key supplier of weapons to the Sri Lankan military, which in 2009 crushed the Tamil Tiger rebels and declared an end to 37 years of ethnic conflict that claimed up to 100,000 lives on the island, according to UN estimates.
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China will rise because they work a lot
@T. Derek
Apart from "you don't know this, you dont know that, you don't know about China", your long post has NOTHING???? You are definitely Chinese
China has so many friends all over the world, especially in South American, Africa, and Asia
You dont say which
Mind you there are quite a few sources of world reputable news agencies in the West, that offer objective views on politics, and unbiased information from the West too, as well all over Internets from various continents
You don't say which
you will find out that this is the country (say in Asia) stands up against major foreign power dominance, and waged wars only to defend herself, as well as helped her friends to defend themselves after the WWW
But then arent we forgetting 1962 war with India? Were you defending against impoverished India or helping a friend?
@T. Derek: I can understand your frustration but this is how Indians are. One should not be surprised to find an Indian claiming that they are the super-power of the world. Just play along and you will start enjoying them.
India is the critical piece in the puzzle for both the US & China who are trying to play the game of one upmaship in Asia. If India is totally with the US(looks difficult), China's ambition of Asian domination is finished even before its begun. If India goes with China completely(almost impossible) the US will have a tough time controlling China's dominance in Asia. India has to play smart and keep its independence but at the same time manage these two giants ie US & China and maintain its excellent relations with Russia, France & United Kingdom and enhance its own position globally. The nuclear deal which the US handed over to India is a classic example of smart play by India. One can expect a major concession to India from China, with China endorsing India to becoming the 6th member in the exclusive group of P5 in the United nations.
Reply to ILovChinaForThis: You sound like you are either an American or Indian or someone with duel citizenship follows CNN news or BBC mainly. I am afraid I have to point out that you know very little about China's current and past history and political states. From what you mentioned that you speak exactly like one of those purely West media believers, or what the West has been painting China in their media--frequently tarnishing China or China bashing at best. Just to mention one that you really do not know much about China at all; as it is a fact that China has so many friends all over the world, especially in South American, Africa, and Asia, not the two countries you call " all Chinese friends are failures – North Korea, Combodia (Pol Pot) etc"? In addition, you did not know that most of the Chinese did not like what happened during the Cultural Revolution at all. It was a regrettable period in the Chinese history resulting in lots of cultural damages and people sufferings. Now, if you care to learn more about Chinese history since the establishment of the People of Republic in 1949 and you will find out that this is the country (say in Asia) stands up against major foreign power dominance, and waged wars only to defend herself, as well as helped her friends to defend themselves after the WWW!!! Mind you there are quite a few sources of world reputable news agencies in the West, that offer objective views on politics, and unbiased information from the West too, as well all over Internets from various continents. There are always two sides of a story, and for sure you will have a much clearer view if you care to see and read beyond just one side only.
@Moise
India should join the block
You mean Vietnam, South Korea, Australia, Japan, Phillipines, US, and just about everyone around China apart from Pakistan.
China is not a threat to Pakistan since why invade when you can rent.
India should join the block instead of tying itself with sinking ship of US empire. US has proven to be hostile to its allies. Washington consensus is dying and India should consider it's future.
@rikky(India): you are free to express your opinion....but it would look good if you talk and comment sensibly.
Indian Ocean: the new Great Game
@Ex-PPP: and truth is bitter.
@amit: Ok and there is life on moon.
India's reaction is undertandable becayse China is active for some years ago in Kahsmir, so of course India may have any idea of what China won't to do in Sri lanka. But not military is good,every military has it's own mistakes. But I'm very glad to se China helping Pakistan in seveal areas. But China's interest also is to take control around the world, more money, and more power and I'm afraid that they maybe are using Pakistan.
@amir farooq: The game has already begun. According to Pakistan, India is supporting TTP. Have you seen the latest video of their doings? Not one PAKI has come onto the streets to protest. Even DPC and IK are with us and therefore not protesting.
@amir farooq:
India is the home country for the so called "Dalai Lama Clique" and also South Tibet called Twang is present inside India. Until recently, China did not recognise Sikkim as Indian territary either.
Also, China's histroy does not inspire any confidence as well. China only respects Power, China's arming of North Korea, Pol Pot etc are actions that speak louder than words. China funds all Maoist based Communit movements of the world. China kills its own people with impunity.
Pakistan calls China as Deeper-Than-Teacups and Higher-Than-Hiccups, the problem is Pakistanis do not know China History. As recently as 1960-70s, during cultural revolution in China, Chinese used to burn all religious book -- Qurans included. Pakistanis better be careful ..all Chinese friends are failures - North Korea, Combodia (Pol Pot) etc
@Ex-PPP: are u kidding bro .China may have scored higher in space, nuclear and missile technologies and even in amphibious warfare capabilities, yet in aircraft carriers and long-distance naval patrols, India remain far superior.and i don't think they have capability to challange india in indian ocean .
@amir farooq: bro are u real u think ur country challange to india in future forget teach lesson mere bhai ye 1990s nahi hai when we were bankcrupt and whole world with ur country .if u try then pakistan next partition[balochistan] is near .
@Ex-PPP: master-ji respect?
LOL on India for thinking that it is a rival to China.
The People's Republic of China is a growing force and is now a challenge to The United States of America and their allies. Sino-Pak relations have no doubt been very cordial since the sixties and Sino-Indian relations too have been reasonably cordial. The growing influence of China is a matter of concern more so for the US as their influence over Asia and Europe stands affected. The primary concern for the US is the Middle East that is for one simple and basic reason that is 'OIL' and hence by all means The United States of America has been trying to retain their receding control over this part of the Asian continent. The story of Iraq that the US had attacked and has been responsible for the destruction of that nation in the name of democracy and human rights with entirely different ulterior motives is well known to the entire globe. The growing influence of China and more over their control over Tibet the Worlds Highest Plateau that holds a strategic importance for China is the biggest eye sore for the US. Hence, through various means efforts are being made to create unrest within China. India no doubt offers a big market to China hence Sino-Indian relations are of great importance to both the neighbours India as well as China. Stability in South Asia is essential not just essential for which a Sino-Indo-Pak relationship shall play a very vital role. The three nations need to develop a front that is strong enough to move forward and work towards bringing Asia together.
i dnt know y indian so scared of chines influence in these counties..... india is also trying to make influence in afg to destabilize pak from western border,,,thy r doing ths....but ths game will end and india will learn a big lession post 2014
Is South Asia going to be another cold war theater between the US and the China? The United State's Nuclear Deal with India and other fast paced developments bordering with China, Foot Prints in Afghanistan (which borders with China), new wave of strengthening relationships with Vietnam including proposed Nuclear deal (which has uneasy relationships with china in South China sea) Taiwan, Philistines and the US military presence in South Korea. Is China now starting a new wave of good relations with its South Asian neighbors?
sri lanka is playing dangerous game and it will end to be a biggest loser...