Chinese communist party makes 'contact' with BJP

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, APRIL 1. The first exchange of contacts between the Communist Party of China and the Bharatiya Janata Party since the Pokhran nuclear tests in May 1998 has witnessed great deal of frankness and warmth from both sides on all issues of mutual concern to both the countries.

The Communist Party of China delegation led by Mr. Dai Bingguo, currently in India on an invitation from the BJP, called on the party president, Mr. Kushabhau Thakre, at the party headquarters on Friday and discussed a wide range of subjects.

While Mr. Thakre drew the attention of the Chinese delegation to some of the Indian people's fears on China, the latter referred to the strained India-Pakistan relations and hoped they would be resolved bilaterally through negotiations.

Briefing correspondents on the interaction between the two delegations, the BJP vice-president, Mr. Jana Krishnamurthy, said among the apprehensions about China here were the extensive military cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad, particularly in the nuclear and missile fields.

``Also, the apparent indifference of China to the cross-border terrorist activities sponsored by Pakistan not only in Kashmir but also in other parts of India. He (Mr. Thakre) expressed the hope that it would be possible through such party to party contacts to arrive at a better understanding of the Indian position'', Mr. Krishnamurthy said.

In the course of the meeting it was agreed that such contacts should cover not only high-level exchanges but also at different levels. The agenda for these discussions would be open- ended and could cover any issue. It was felt that both countries should do their utmost to understand each other and that differences in views and perspectives should not obstruct the further development of the relationship.

The leader of the Chinese delegation emphasised the five principles governing their desire to enhance relations with the BJP. First of all was the basic desire to expand such contacts. Secondly, it would help the relationship at all levels and over a long period, third to achieve mutual benefits and mutual advantages, fourth to seek and work towards a common meeting ground putting aside differences and finally to strengthen unity and cooperation and to contribute to a mutually prosperous future.

The Chinese delegation will leave for Hyderabad tomorrow for a meeting with the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam president, Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, as also a visit to the Hi- tec city. The team will depart for Calcutta in the evening.

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