Noting that China has an important role in South Asia, the United States has said that it was "unimaginable" that Beijing would not be involved in this strategically significant part of the world that includes countries like India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
"China has an important role. It's a neighbour of South Asia. And it's unimaginable that China would not be involved," deputy secretary of state, James Steinberg, said in response to a question after delivering a speech on “Impact of US-China Relations in Asia”. India had expressed its displeasure in 2009 after a joint US-China statement in 2009 following a visit of US President Barack Obama to Beijing had called for cooperation between the two countries in South Asia.
"The question is can we work together in a positive way on shared interests in creating peace, stability and economic opportunity in South Asia. I know there's certain sensitivity in India about that, but I don't see that it should be the case. India has a good and rich relationship with China. Very fortunate to have the very knowledgeable China hands now at senior levels in the Indian government. And I think that's a good thing," he said.
Welcoming a constructive involvement by China in South Asia, the official said this would help in achieving peace in the region, especially in Afghanistan.
"We would like Chinese involvement to be constructive, to help us deal with the challenge of peace and stability in Afghanistan, and dealing with making sure that it doesn't become a terrorist haven again, which would threaten all of us — to building a relationship and cooperating to allow democracy to continue in Pakistan, and to deal with the economic challenges that they face so a more secure Pakistan can be a better partner for India and other countries in the region," Mr Steinberg argued.
"So, I see many positive reasons for China to be involved. It will be involved because its economic interests, security interests and political interests lie there. But it ought to be done in a way that's not at the expense of others. And it's clear that we are very sensitive to the interests of all our partners there," he said.
"Just as we talk about South Asia with China, we talk about East Asia with India. That’s an important part of our dialogue. We just had a very productive meeting chaired on our side by assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, Kurt Campbell with the Indian counterparts. It is notable that Mr Campbell is the assistant secretary for East Asia,” he said, adding America considers India as an East Asian country. "We engage with them on issues like North Korea and the like because we think of the importance that India plays," Mr Steinberg said.