China says India is a 'partner, not rival' after missile launch

[Holmes]

China says India is a 'partner, not rival' after missile launch

By Chi-Chi Zhang, CNN
April 20, 2012 -- Updated 0708 GMT (1508 HKT)

Beijing (CNN) -- China downplayed India's successful missile launch this week, saying that the two sides are not rivals but cooperating partners.

"China and India are both emerging countries, we are not rivals but cooperation partners," said Liu Weimin, China's foreign ministry spokesman, on Thursday. "We believe the two countries should cherish the hard-won momentum of sound bilateral relations, promote bilateral friendship and cooperation and make active contributions to regional peace and stability."

India's government touted the successful Thursday launch of the Agni V missile -- with a range of 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) capable of hitting cities as far as Shanghai -- as a milestone for the country.

"This launch has given a message to the entire world that India has the capability to design, develop, build and manufacture missiles of this class, and we are today a missile power," VK Saraswat, chief of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, told India's Economic Times.
What India missile test means for region
India tests long-range rocket

The Agni V missile is a 17.5-meter-tall (75-feet), three-stage missile designed to carry a 1.5-ton nuclear warhead and is expected to be ready for use by the armed forces in 2014 following a series of tests, the report said.

India's major media outlets touted the launch as India's entry into an elite club of countries, including the United States and Russia. But China's state-backed Global Times newspaper reported in an editorial that, "India shouldn't overestimate its strength."

"India should be clear that China's nuclear power is stronger and more reliable," the editorial said. "For the foreseeable future, India would stand no chance in an overall arms race with China."

While China has not perceived India as a threat, experts say India has boosted military spending in recent years in part due to China's increasing dominance in the Indian Ocean. The two sides fought a war in 1962 over border issues.

"This launch is a part of India's development and modernization," said Ye Hailin, an international relations expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "Some reports of the perceived threats have been exaggerated and I think we should take a step back from this rather than jump to conclusions."

China says India is a 'partner, not rival' after missile launch - CNN.com

 

[Yaduveer]

And now that's better !

 

[Alchemy]

After India tests the MIRVs may be we will not just be "partners" they may end up declaring us strategic allies

 

[Raphael]

The title is kinda misleading. I don't think China has ever considered India a 'rival'.

 

[Sergi]

The title is kinda misleading. I don't think China has ever considered India a 'rival'.

I know some of COMRADEs will differ your opinion
This might be the first sensible post that I read on PDF with red flag. Nice to read you

 

[sweetgrape]

China had said these before, I find that after the launching of A5, too much thread about "china's attitude". and many are posted by indian, Not only in world affairs. but in china defence! You know that disgust me, what do you want? Many indians want " china tremble" about this, I know!!
Please don't, In china, not too much care about this, we had Inter continental missile 40 years ago, The number of thread like this just reflect how inferiority complex to china!!

Don't too exciting.

 

[Sergi]

China had said these before, I find that after the launching of A5, too much thread about "china's attitude". and many are posted by indian, Not only in world affairs. but in china defence! You know that disgust me, what do you want? Many indians want " china tremble" about this, I know!!
Please don't, In china, not too much care about this, we had Inter continental missile 40 years ago, The number of thread like this just reflect how inferiority complex to china!!

Don't too exciting.

No dude they are just reactions to BS from your fellow comrade. I can't name him. I have already got one warning for personal attack. But I can give you hint. It's something in megatons of BS

 

[Guli Danda]

China has been good with foreign policy recently and the co-operation is only increasing..
Apart from some Challenged people here..who are mostly false flags,India-China relations are doing pretty well atm.

 

[epsilon]

True but it possess possible threat to USA and other grown Economies

Is this website given access in PRC Great Firewall??

 

[IndoCarib]

The arrogant chinese media should take a clue from their govt. And so should the chinese braggarts on this forum

 

[epsilon]

Not just considering.. directly in action

 

[R0H1T]

The arrogant chinese media should take a clue from their govt. And so should the chinese braggarts on this forum

You seem to misunderstand, the CN govt has total control over the media therefore whilst its official position is neutral they're venting their steam through hundreds of TV channels, thousands of websites & millions of internet trolls(on daily wages) /take that !

 

[Developereo]

Would you have preferred if China had taken a belligerent tone?

Damned if they do and damned if they don't.

 

[GCTom]

The Chinese government had always see/wanted to work with India, like all other countries, as peaceful and equal partner; long before India had any long range missiles tests.

 

[IndoCarib]

Would you have preferred if China had taken a belligerent tone?

Damned if they do and damned if they don't.

No. We like this tone. It is their arrogance that we hate