Monday, February 27 2006 16:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Beijing: The proposed Indo-US civilian nuclear deal has received a guarded response from China with the communist giant welcoming the development of "normal and friendly" relations between New Delhi and Washington.

"China is clear on the issues in US-India nuclear co-operation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told sources when asked to comment on the proposed Indo-US nuclear deal, which is expected to be the centrepiece of the state visit of US President George W Bush to India from March 1.

"Currently, the international community is working to strengthen the authority and effectiveness of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. China hopes relevant countries for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy can contribute to these efforts," the spokesman said, without clearly indicating whether Beijing has reversed its stiff opposition.

Commenting on the warming Indo-US relations, especially the military cooperation, Liu said China welcomes the development of 'normal' relations between India and US.

"We welcome the development of the normal and friendly relations between India and US, with the hope that the favourable development of bilateral relations will benefit the peace and stability in the Asian region," he said.

Analysts say the guarded Chinese response to the proposed Indo-US civil nuclear deal came about after New Delhi briefed Beijing about the July 18 agreement signed by Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Washington, sought cooperation and allayed their concerns.