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India to play a bigger role
in a multi-polar world: Li Peng

China has described India as a 'major country' in Asia destined to play a more prominent role in regional and international affairs in a multi-polar world.

"We think India is a major country in South Asia and also in Asia that will play a bigger role in a multi-polar world," senior Chinese leader Li Peng said in Beijing.

He is scheduled to be in India on an official goodwill visit from January 9-17.

Li, a known critic of United States' attempts to wield global hegemony since the end of the cold-war era, said China supported a multi-polar world which allowed each country to have its own say in international affairs rather than be dominated by one or a few big nations.

"We are in favour of a multi-polar world because the world itself is colourful with countries and regions differing from each other," Li, former Chinese premier and current chairman of the Standing Committee (China's top legislature), said.

Li, ranked number two in the ruling Communist Party hierarchy, said he was keen to see with his 'own eyes' the fast-paced developments in India as well as to enhance friendship with the Indian leadership and people.

"To enhance our friendship and co-operation is the main purpose of my visit," he said about his second visit to the country.

"At the invitation of the two Houses of the Indian Parliament, I am going to visit your country. I very much appreciate this opportunity," Li said.

"During the past decade, major changes have taken place in the international scene and also in our respective domestic scenario. India's economy has been growing at a fast pace and the high-tech sector has mushroomed and thrived," Li said.

"I very much wish to see with my own eyes the development so as to broaden my mind," Li, who will also tour Bombay, Bangalore, Mysore and Agra, said.

"Located in the same region, our two countries are the most populous in the world and the largest developing ones," he said.

"I would appreciate the opportunity of meeting members of the leadership of India, especially the President, the vice president and the prime minister so that I will be able to discuss international and bilateral issues," he said.

Li is scheduled to meet President K R Narayanan, Vice President Krishan Kant and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

He also expressed the desire to discuss parliamentary co-operation with leaders of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Li will hold talks with Lok Sabha Speaker G M C Balayogi and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Najma Heptulla besides meeting leaders of various political parties, including Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Li would be the top Chinese leader to visit India since bilateral relations plunged to a new low after the Pokhran tests in 1998.

'My last visit to India was almost 10 years ago' reciprocating a visit to Beijing by former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1988, he said.

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