NEW DELHI: China backed a big role for India in international institutions but fell short of supporting it for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, The Hindu reported from Beijing.

Asked to comment on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claim that India deserved a rightful place in the UN Security Council, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei acknowledged that “India is an important developing country in international affairs”.

“We understand and support India’s desire of playing a big role in international institutions including the United Nations,” The Hindu quoted him as saying.

It said the Chinese side made it clear that it was disinclined to unilaterally support India for a permanent slot, preferring instead a collective consensus-based approach, which would be part of a larger “package” of UNSC reforms.

“The Chinese side will make efforts with all parties to strive for a package that accommodates the concerns of all parties through extensive democratic consultations,” Mr Hong said.

Explaining the ‘package’, Mr Hong said that the “reforms of the UN Security Council concerns a wide range of elements”, which are of interest to all members of the UNSC. “We maintain that we should strive for a consensus through democratic consultation. The package is mainly about security council reforms.”

The spokesman’s remarks were in tune with the joint statement issued in February by the Russia-India-China (RIC) grouping, which supported New Delhi’s aspiration for a bigger UN role, The Hindu said.

It quoted unnamed analysts as saying China’s hesitation in backing India for a permanent seat — unlike other permanent members of the council — is driven by two concerns: Japan and Pakistan.

As part of G-4 countries, India has been slotted for possible UNSC membership with Brazil, Germany and Japan, China’s regional rival. Besides, China has a special relationship with Pakistan, which is staunchly opposed to India’s candidature, the paper said.

Mr Hong said that China was committed to give greater voice to developing countries in the UNSC.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2015

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