Beijing: While committed to building a 'constructive co-operative partnership' with India, China has said bilateral ties should not be impeded by historical legacies like the boundary dispute, which should be gradually resolved through dialogues.

"The People's Republic of China is committed to building a constructive co-operative partnership with the Republic of India on the basis of Panchsheel, and views developing relations with India as an important component of China's foreign policy of good neighbourliness and friendship," the just- released 2002 annual report of China's Foreign Ministry said.

While reviewing Sino-Indian relations in 2002, the annual report noted that over the years, the two countries have reached consensus on how to develop their bilateral relations, including not to view each other as a 'threat', with the five principles of peaceful co-existence (Panchsheel) as its basis.

Further, the common interests of the two countries far outweigh differences between them and both countries have extensive interests and similar stands in international affairs, it said.

Also, the differences between China and India on some issues should not impede the development of bilateral relations, the annual report said.

PTI