Ahead of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's visit, China on Thursday assured its close ally Pakistan that development of relations with India would not affect the traditional Sino-Pak friendship.
It also said that good relations between China and Pakistan were not targeted at any third country.
A senior Chinese foreign ministry official said China would like to have a long-term, stable and sound relationship with India and that it conforms with China's foreign policy of maintaining friendship and partnership with its neighbours.
"China would like to develop friendly relations and cooperation with all of our neighbours. This is not only in the interest of the respective countries but also beneficial to maintaining peace and tranquility in the region," he said.
He also noted that relations between China and Pakistan are very good and the two countries have maintained a good momentum of development of bilateral relations.
Asked about the growing ties between India and the US as well as between India and Israel, the official said he was not in a position to comment on it.
PM's China Visit: The Complete Coverage
More from rediff