NEW DELHI -- China has endorsed India's application for a seat on the U.N. Security Council, a strategic step forward in bilateral relations, the Times of India reports.
The announcement was made during a visit to New Delhi by China's State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, the Times said Thursday.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Tang said China hoped to see India "playing a greater and more constructive role in the U.N. Security Council."
The report said that bilateral relations had been substantially upgraded through Tang's visit, and that it would be followed by a visit from Chinese premier Wen Jiabao in January next year.
The two countries were preparing to hold their first strategic dialogue, and a free trade agreement was under discussion, the paper said.
Beijing had previously been ambivalent on India's position in the U.N. Security Council.
China's endorsement is significant since Pakistan, with whom China has also recently strengthened ties, went on record at the U.N. General Assembly as opposing India's submission.
