File photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping
A stronger China is not a threat to any country, Chinese President Xi Jinping today said and stressed on a "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable" solution to the vexed boundary issue at an early date through peaceful talks.
Mr Jinping, who is in New Delhi on a state visit, said while neighbours may have problems, one should not focus on just the differences.
"Many Indian friends take great interest in China's development and wish China even bigger progress," he said adding the country has made remarkable achievements in economic and social spheres.
He said "the world has benefited from China's development. However, we have also taken note (the view) of some that a stronger China is bound to follow the beaten path to seek hegemony and poses so-called threat to other countries... I wish to make it clear that China will be firmly committed to the path of peaceful development," he said addressing an event organised by the think-tank Indian Council of World Affairs in New Delhi.
Stressing that peace is paramount, he said even in ancient time, China had come to the conclusion that a war-like state, however big it may be, will eventually perish.
Talking about the need to strengthen China's ties with India, Mr Jinping said he believes South Asia will become a "new pole of growth" in Asia and beyond.
"I am convinced that South Asia, a sub-continent that holds infinite potential, will become a new pole of growth in Asia and beyond. A South Asia that enjoys peace, stability and prosperity serves the interest of the countries and people in the region and of China as well," he said.
His address, laced with references of Indian thinkers and poets, stressed on the point that China wants to live in harmony with all countries in the region.