India can play a major role, says Li Peng

BEIJING, JAN. 8. China has described India as a ``major country'' in South Asia and also in Asia and that it is destined to play a more prominent role in regional and international affairs in a multipolar world.

The senior Chinese leader, Mr. Li Peng, who is scheduled to be in India on an official goodwill visit from January 9 to 17, told this to PTI here.

A known critic of the attempts of the United States to wield global hegemony at the end of the Cold War era, he said China supported a multipolar world which allowed each country to have its own say in international affairs rather than be dominated by one or a few big nations. ``We favour a multipolar world because the world itself is colourful with countries and regions differing from each other,'' said Mr. Li, former Chinese Premier and current Chairman of the Standing Committee (China's top legislature).

Mr. Li, ranked number two in the ruling Communist Party, said he was keen to see with his ``own eyes'' the fast- paced developments in India as well as to enhance friendship with the Indian leadership and people. ``To enhance our friendship and cooperation is the main purpose of my visit,'' he said about his second visit to the country.

``At the invitation of the two Houses of the Indian Parliament, I am going to visit your country. I very much appreciate this opportunity,'' he said.

``During the past decade, major changes have taken place in the international scene and also in our respective domestic situation. India's economy has been growing at a fast pace and the high-tech sector has mushroomed and thrived.''

Mr. Li is scheduled to meet the President, Mr. K.R.Narayanan, the Vice-President, Mr. Krishan Kant, and the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee.

He expressed the desire to discuss parliamentary cooperation with Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha leaders. Mr. Li would hold talks with the Lok Sabha Speaker, Mr. G.M.C. Balayogi, and the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson, Dr. Najma Heptulla.

He would also meet leaders of various political parties, including the Congress president, Ms. Sonia Gandhi.

Li would be the top Chinese leader to visit India since bilateral relations plunged to a new low after the Pokhran nuclear tests in 1998.

His last visit to India was almost 10 years ago, which was a reciprocal gesture to the Beijing visit by former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi in 1988.

- PTI

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