12 April 2004	Monday	21 Safar 1425

BEIJING, April 11: Pakistan welcomes China's influence in South Asia and its relations with India, considering it as a positive development towards peace and security. This was stated by Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV), which was telecast on Sunday.

When asked to comment on recent developments between India and China towards improvement of their bilateral relations, the foreign minister said: "We welcome China's influence in South Asia. We don't believe these developments could affect the time-tested and all- weather friendship between Pakistan and China in any manner whatsoever".

In fact, he added, if China acquires greater influence in South Asia, it would be conducive for achieving the ultimate goal of establishing peace and security in the region. He said: "We have complete faith in the Chinese leadership".

He maintained that when he met the Chinese prime minister and the foreign minister, they termed their relations with Pakistan as unique one and they repeatedly told him that the only one country in the world to whom they describe as their all-weather friend is Pakistan, assuring "nothing could drive a wedge between them.

"We believe in every single word what the Chinese leadership told us. Our faith to this effect is based on our experience. It has proved in the past that China is a true and loyal friend of Pakistan.

China is a country that fast developing its economy and we are happy, it is securing major successes in the economic areas. So, we understand China's requirement improving its relations with India, USA and other countries," he added.

However, he said, in the ultimate analysis Pakistan-China strategic interests are common and they are working together taking a similar stand on various regional and international issues, aimed at creating a favourable environment for peace and development.

Commenting on certain apprehensions portraying China's rise as threat to other countries, Mr Kasuri said, all Pakistanis believed that China's fast economic progress was a very positive development. "The rise of China is not threatening at all. China does not believe in hegemony or expansionism. Its past is a living proof to the fact," he remarked.

"We believe China is a true friend of third world. We don't consider China as threat and the China's conduct has proved that it has been helping a large number of developing countries. Our ultimately, judgement is that the rise of China is a positive sign for peace and development, not only for the region but for whole of the world," he added. -APP