Q: Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee the other day invited Pakistani Chief Executive Musharraf to visit India for peace talks. What is the comment of the Chinese side?

A: We have taken note of the relevant reports and welcome and appreciate the efforts of both the Indian and Pakistani sides to work for the improvement of ties. It is our consistent belief that India and Pakistan are major countries in South Asia, and the improvement of India-Pakistan relations serves not only the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also the interests of peace and stability of South Asia.