India a strategic partner, says Chinese premier Wen Jiabao

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing on Monday that China regards India as an important strategic partner.

"We will work with India to maintain high level visits and take care of each other's core interests and major concerns," Wen said when meeting national security advisor Shiv Shankar Menon, who is here as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's special envoy.

Wen also pledged to enhance dialogue and cooperation with India to benefit the two peoples, and make joint efforts to promote world peace and common prosperity.

Menon interacted with the Chinese premier and in a 40-minute meeting, when they shared ideas on how to take forward the bilateral ties. The NSA also handed over a letter from Singh to Wen. ''For us in India the relationship with People's Republic of China is one of the most important that we have,'' Menon said.

Wen, in turn, said that Singh had sent an ''important and timely message'' last year also for the improvement of ties. ''This time you brought another personal letter from the prime minister... We highly appreciate his commitment to this relationship. It will be Asia's century if India and China have strong relationship.''

The national security adviser later held talks with state councillor Dai Bingguo, who is China's special representative in boundary talks with India. Menon is India's special representatives in the border talks. Menon also held discussions with other Chinese leaders, including foreign minister Yang Jiechi.