India asks China to demonstrate sensitivity to core interests

New Delhi, Jan 18 (PTI) Asking China to demonstratesensitivity to its core interests, India has said that Asiancountries would judge China''s "peaceful rise" not so much bythe intentions of its leadership as by their "actions".

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said China''s rise,which presents both challenges as well as opportunities, willbe "watched" closely.

"There will be both competition and cooperation but astable dynamic equilibrium can be maintained within the largermatrix of dialogue and diplomacy. But China has to demonstratesensitivity to India''s core interests," she said whiledelivering a speech at a seminar recently.

The remarks come in the backdrop of India''s seriousconcern over Chinese policy of issuing stapled visas toresidents of Jammu and Kashmir which New Delhi feels isimpingement on the country''s "sovereignty and territorialintegrity". China also refused visa to a high-ranking Armyofficer, commanding Jammu and Kashmir and this led tosuspension of defence exchanges between the two countries.

Recently China also issued stapled visas to two Indiansportsmen from Arunachal to take part in the WeightliftingGrand Prix at Fujian province.

On global issues, Rao said India and China haveseveral areas where cooperation has been possible - rangingfrom WTO trade matters, environment to energy security. PTIPYK