Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday said that China and India did not pose a threat to each other.

Jiabao's comments assume significance amid speculation that Beijing [Images] is unhappy with the growing Indo-US strategic relationship.

Friendship is the "mainstream of Sino-Indian relations," he said, pointing out that in more than 2,000 years of friendly ties "times of unpleasant memories" lasted two to three years only.

Speaking to PTI, Jiabao spoke warmly about growing ties with India, stressing that the development of the two countries "is an opportunity rather than a threat".

Looking forward to the expected visit Manmohan Singh [Images] to China later this year, Jiabao indicated that a red-carpet welcome awaited the Indian leader.

Describing the visit as a big event, Jiabao said, "We are now making vigorous preparations for the visit to ensure that it will be a success."