'Chinese leader's visit will enhance ties'

BEIJING, MAY 15. China today expressed optimism that the visit to India by the senior Chinese leader, Mr. Li Changchun, would not only enhance the depth of bilateral ties but also improve party- to-party relations, especially with the BJP.

Noting that the Sino-Indian relations are on the upswing in recent times, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Mr. Sun Yuxi said Mr. Li's visit would further promote Sino-Indian ties.

``The visit of the Communist Party of China (CPC) delegation would further promote the depth of bilateral relations. It would also promote the development of relations between the CPC and the BJP and other political parties in India,'' Mr. Sun said.

Mr. Li would be the senior-most Chinese leader to visit India this year after the January visit of the Chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC), Mr. Li Peng.

Mr. Li, a member of the politburo of the ruling CPC and party secretary of the south China province of Guangdong, is visiting India at the invitation of the External Affairs and Defence Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh.

He would hold extensive talks with Mr. Singh and is likely to call on the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee.

Mr. Li is expected to be elevated to the national level soon to become a Vice-Premier and ultimately succeed the Prime Minister, Mr. Zhu Rongji in 2003.

Thus, diplomatic sources here attach importance on Mr. Li's visit which would be a good opportunity for the Indian leadership to interact with a senior leader of the `fourth generation' of Chinese leaders.

A senior Indian embassy official said it was part of the high- level exchange of visits agreed by both the Governments and that New Delhi would be willing to talk on any subject, including India's support to the U.S. President, Mr. George Bush's plan to develop and deploy a missile defence system.

Mr. Li would be accompanied by a trade survey team from the Guangdong province.

Not to violate CTBT

China today said it was firmly committed to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and described as ``groundless'' and ``irresponsible'' a U.S. media report that it was preparing for an underground nuclear test.

``The report is entirely groundless and irresponsible,'' Mr. Sun Yuxi said, when asked to comment on The Washington Times report at a bi-weekly news conference here.

He said China has submitted the treaty for approval and ratification to the standing committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), their top legislative body. ``China will strictly observe the treaty,'' he stressed.

The daily, quoting U.S. intelligence officials, last week said China was preparing for an underground nuclear test soon at the testing facility in the Xinjiang province. It was expected to take place before the end of this month.

- PTI

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