Beijing: Pledging continued support to the peace process between India and Pakistan, China today (Apr 1, 2004) said it would be a "constructive partner" of the South Asian countries.

Commenting on Defence Minister Gen Cao Gangchaun's recent visit to Pakistan and India, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said the leader had expressed to his hosts that Beijing will always support the peace process between them.

"China will continue to do its part for peace and cooperation in this region as a constructive partner," Quan said in response to a question at a biweekly Foreign Ministry briefing.

Gangchuan had emphasised that as a close neighbour of the South Asian countries, China hopes for prosperity, joint development and cooperation in the region, Kong said.