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China seeks central role { June 4 2002 } Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/china/story/0,7369,727182,00.htmlhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/china/story/0,7369,727182,00.html
Chinese leader seeks central role in defusing conflict
John Gittings in Shanghai
Tuesday June 4, 2002
The Guardian
China's president, Jiang Zemin, will meet the Indian and Pakistani leaders at the Asian summit in Almaty today as Beijing shows increasing concern over a conflict in which it cannot choose sides.
The foreign ministry spokesman Kong Quan said yesterday that Mr Jiang would urge President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan and the Indian prime minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to "show the utmost restraint" in order to maintain peace and stability in south Asia.
The Chinese media last night made much of Mr Jiang's presence at the 16-nation conference in the Kazakhstan city, portraying him as a potential peacemaker. Mr Jiang has been in frequent touch with the US administration and would like to be seen to play a significant diplomatic role.
The renewed Kashmir crisis comes at a time when China is seeking a more balanced role in the south Asian region, in spite of its longstanding close relationship with Pakistan.
China and India have agreed to disagree on their longstanding border dispute. While hardliners on both sides would oppose any territorial exchange, both countries are working together to demarcate the actual line of control.
During a visit by India's foreign minister, Jaswant Singh, to China in March this year, agreement was reached to began cooperation on counter-terrorism.
Meanwhile, China has sought new ground for agreement with Pakistan, stressing its own problems with Muslim separatists in the western region of Xinjiang. Last month Xinjiang officials revealed that Pakistan had returned an alleged terrorist to China.
Relations with Pakistan remain on a higher level than those with India, and China continues to supply it with advanced weaponry including jet fighters and - it is widely believed - missile-related technology.
Chinese media coverage of the Kashmir crisis has reflected a variety of views, indicating that authorities in Beijing are not attempting to impose a uniform line.
· India has asked Israel - one of its main arms suppliers - to speed up the delivery of radar systems, observation balloons and communications equipment, Israeli newspapers reported yesterday.
Israel has sold £2bn in arms and military equipment to India since the two countries established formal relations 10 years ago.
Suzanne Goldenberg, Jerusalem
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