Reports China Pushing for SAARC Membership Are Exaggerated: Government Sources

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Nov 25, 2014: Reports that China is pushing for a membership of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation or SAARC are exaggerated, government sources have said, after media reports that Beijing’s case is being supported by some Nepalese politicians ahead of a meeting of the eight-nation organisation.

The sources said China has not sought membership, but could be interested in a greater role as observer. "No one has raised (the issue of) full membership for China in meetings so far. Some have only spoken for a greater role for observers," the sources said. 

Nepal capital Kathmandu is hosting the two-day 18th summit of the SAARC nations - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. It begins tomorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend.

The Indian Express newspaper reported this morning that the Asia Pacific Daily, published in Kathmandu by China’s official news agency Xinhua, has in a special SAARC edition featured several Nepalese ministers and prominent politicians, supporting an "active" role for Beijing in SAARC.

The Asia Pacific Daily, the newspaper report said, is being distributed to delegates and press contingents attending the summit.

The SAARC has nine observers, including China, Japan, the European Union and the US. Since 2007, observers have been invited to participate in the inaugural and closing sessions of SAARC Summits. China will send a delegation led by its Deputy Foreign Minister to Kathmandu.

 

Courtesy: NDTV