Saturday, April 2 2005 13:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Beijing: China yesterday (April 1, 2005) remained evasive on backing India's quest for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Asked if Premier Wen Jiabao will endorse India's bid during his visit to New Delhi, Vice-Foreign Minister Wu Dawei said, "We support the UNSC expansion. We don't want to see a divided situation in the world body." Wu stressed that the UN reform should help make the world body a more solidified entity and help ensure effective functioning.

"There are some countries who are trying to find a permanent seat in the Security Council. As to whether they will be able to succeed, it may depend upon not only their efforts but also the level of recognition from the international community," Wu told reporters in Beijing.

Chinese Ambassador Sun Yuxi said, "We would like to see India play a bigger role at the UN as well as the Security Council."

Chinese Special Representative Dai Bingguo will meet his new Indian counterpart and National Security Adviser M K Narayanan for talks on the boundary issue either before Wen's visit or during it, the Chinese envoy said.

"Our major effort is to keep our border as peaceful and tranquil areas," he said, adding, "We have a common border. We want that the border becomes a bridge for exchanges and friendship."

On the Sikkim issue, he said it has been "already settled. It is completely solved...there is no problem".