China is pleased to see the healthy momentum that has emerged in India-Pakistan relationship and hopes for lasting peace and stability in south Asia, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao at a press conference held in Beijing Sunday.

China's relationship with any country in South Asia is not targeted at a third country, he added.

When asked to comment on China-India relations, the premier said the friendship between the two countries stretched for more than 2,000 years whereas conflicts between them lasted for only two years.

He recalled Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's visit to China last year, saying that it indicated the relationship between the two countries had begun developing their relations in a healthy and cooperative way since then.

Special envoys from the two countries have already held two rounds of talks on border issues between China and India, Wen said.

As long as the two countries stick to peaceful coexistence, respect for each other and mutual understanding, China and India could tackle the problems left over from history and maintain lasting friendship and cooperation, Wen said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 14, 2004)