ELECTIONS '98
COMMENTARY
SPECIALS
INTERVIEWS
CAPITAL BUZZ
REDIFF POLL
DEAR REDIFF
THE STATES
YEH HAI INDIA!
ARCHIVES

China lashes out at Fernandes

China today lashed out at Union Defence Minister George Fernandes for describing Beijing as India's biggest military threat and said the comment could hurt chances of improved diplomatic ties.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said China ''always worked for friendly relations with its neighbours, including India and Pakistan, and does not pose any threat to any countries.''

The so-called argument that China is the biggest potential threat to India is ''absolutely ridiculous and is not worthy of refutation,'' Zhu said at a media briefing.

Zhu dismissed Fernandes's claims as ''utterly fictitious and entirely baseless''.

''His remarks seriously sabotage the favorable atmosphere for improving bilateral relations between China and India,'' he said. ''China cannot but express its utmost regret and resentment.''

New Delhi, however, refused to comment on the Chinese remarks. ''We have noted it,'' an external affairs ministry spokesman said.

UNI

Tell us what you think of this report