Premier Wen Jiabao met with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of 10th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit Tuesday. The two leaders discussed the long-standing and complex issue of the border between the two nations.

China and India's envoys have so far held four rounds of talks on the issue.

So long as the two parties adhere to the principles of equitable consultation and mutual understanding, they will find solutions through sincere talks, said Wen.

Singh said the Indian government has "strong political will" to solve the border problem and that he hopes the parties can reach a consensus on solutions soon.

Wen said the two countries have "thousands of reasons" to enhance their overall cooperation. "China's development will not pose a threat to India, and also India's growing power will not threaten China," he stated.

Singh said that India's friendship with China is significant for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world. He expressed satisfaction with bilateral economic and trade relations and indicated a desire to tap their potential.

During his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, Wen said the major obstacle to improving relations now is political.

"How this issue is handled will directly influence the development of bilateral relations," Wen was quoted as saying by a Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

Wen reportedly quoted a traditional Chinese proverb to indicate that the responsibility to resolve the issue is on Japan.

The Japanese leader's controversial annual visits to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine are seen as a core problem between the two nations. The shrine honors Japan's war dead, including 14 World War II Class-A war criminals, and is seen as the symbol of Japan's militaristic past.

One guiding principle of China's relations with Japan is referred to as "taking history as a mirror and facing the future." This means the two countries should treat history correctly and as a foundation of bilateral friendship, Wen said.

He emphasized that China and Japan share many common interests and must promote bilateral relations from long-term and strategic perspectives.

Koizumi reportedly agreed that Japan's invasion brought disastrous consequences to the Chinese people and that friendship between the two nations is good for all. At a press conference following the meeting, he indicated that history and awareness of history were discussed.

Wen also held separate meetings with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Lao National Assembly President Samane Viyaketh on Tuesday.

On Monday, he met separately with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkia of Brunei, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Myanmar Prime Minister Soe Win.

Premier Wen flew back to Beijing on Tuesday after wrapping up his official visit to Laos as well as the summit meetings with leaders of ASEAN, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

(China Daily December 1, 2004)