Press Release

A three member delegation led by the acting Ambassador of People's Republic of China Mr. Zhen Qingdian called on BJP President Shri Rajnath Singh at BJP Central Office in New Delhi. Mr. Zhen was accompanied by Mrs. You Ningge, the Political Counselor and Mr. Zhen Zhishan.

At the outset Mr. Zhen congratulated Shri Rajnath Singh for assuming the office of BJP President, as it was their first meeting after Shri Singh took charge. Mr. Zhen emphasised party-to-party relationship with the BJP and the Communist Party of China. He said that Chinese government was hoping to build better relationship with Indian Government and also with political parties in India. He also apprised the president about growing economic co-operation between the two countries.

In response to his observations, Shri Rajnath Singh said that the BJP as the party was in favour of having good relations with China. He re-called that it was Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the then Foreign Minister, who broke the ice in 1979 by becoming the first foreign minister to visit China after the 1962 war and thus paved the way for future co-operation. As Prime Minister Shri Vajpayee visited China in 2003 and got the Sikkim issue resolved. It shows BJP's determination and resolve to strengthen cordial relations between the two countries.

Talking about the recent development Shri Rajnath Singh expressed his concern about the China's strategic understanding with Pakistan, as it was an acknowledged hub of Pan-Islamic terrorism.

Expressing concern over the strategic alliance between China and Bangladesh Shri Rajnath Singh said, "BJP feels that there is no imminent external threat to Bangladesh. In recent years Bangladesh has emerged as a centre of anti-India activities. And I hope that China should take a note of BJP's concern on this issue."

In the end Mr. Zhen extended invitation to BJP President to visit China this year as 2006 was being celebrated as the Indo-China friendship year. The meeting ended with a hope that mutual political and economic co-operation between the two countries should be strengthened, as it would bring peace and prosperity to both the countries. India and China are capable of changing the entire global scenario in 21st Century.

(Shyam Jaju)
Office Incharge