United States Deputy Secretary of State William Burns has sought to dispel mistaken conclusions that Washington's focus on Asia was part of a policy to contain China.
Mr. Burns was addressing students and academicians at the University of Pune on Friday.
It is neither our purpose nor our intention. In fact, we strongly believe that a thriving China is good for China, good for the United States, and good for India. The 21st century Asia-Pacific we seek is one in which India, the United States, China and all the states of this region and beyond enjoy good relations, he said.
Asked about the U.S. support to India's military exercises, he said: There is a great deal of cooperation between India and the U.S. in increasing maritime security and improving disaster management. But it is not our purpose to contain China.
Mr. Burns, who was speaking on U.S.-Indian partnership in an Asia-Pacific century,' said the U.S. had, both strategically and economically, consistently pursued policies that aimed to unite and connect the region, rather than seeking to divide Asia.
Asia-Pacific century
This is an exciting time to be crafting Asia-Pacific policy in either of our countries, Mr. Burns said. If we get it right, the U.S.-India relationship will be a cornerstone of an Asia-Pacific century.
Stressing that the U.S.-India partnership was based on the principles of shared security, shared prosperity and human dignity, he called on the Government of India to help other countries in the region match its achievement of a pluralistic, multi-party democracy.
Reform process
Citing U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's latest visit to Myanmar, Mr. Burns said he expected India to actively participate in the process of reform in that country.
