Peace not possible in Asia without engaging China: Experts

New Delhi, Mar 17 (UNI) Stability and peace is important for development of Asia and these cannot be achieved without bringing China into the mainstream, former National Security Advisor (NSA) Brajesh Mishra said today.

He was speaking at a symposium on ''Security and Strategic Challenges in Asia: Prospects of Japan-India Cooperation'' organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Japan Embassy and Gaiko Forum of Japan here.

Mr Mishra, now an ORF trustee, stressed the need for bringing China into the mainstream and also emphasised the role of the Asian community as a whole.

Cautioning against any grouping against China, ORF distinguished fellow Prof K V Kesavan called for strengthening cooperation in areas such as maritime security and energy security.

In this regard, he suggested that Japan should come forward to welcome Indo-US nuclear agreement.

Prof Kesavan also explained how the foreign policy shift of Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fakuda was helping in improving his country's ties with China.

Agreeing with speakers who stressed the need for engaging China for a stable and resurgent Asia, Japanese Ambassador to India Hideaki Domichi said his country was for inclusive growth in the continent as there were much greater opportunities than coercion or threats.

UNI AG MSJ RS2046