In a move that surprised the world China backed India's candidature for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, knowing full well that it was USA that is blocking India. In any case without the full backing of others and without being vetoed no such action can take place. This move is likely to put President Bush in a spot and it will be interesting to gauge America's reactions. 

A team from USI just returned from China thoroughly impressed with the meticulous progress made by the country and this move of China to back India is another well calculated move. It is surprising and America in all likelihood will oppose the move. Concurrently India's NSA J N Dixit is in Iran discussing mutual issues and Iran has stated it will continue to pursue a peaceful nuclear programme. This is what India did in 1974 and it fructified in the Shakti nuclear blasts.

China Backs India For Security Council Seat

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  21 OCTOBER 2004

NEW DELHI: China on Wednesday took a strategic step forward in its relations with India. It formally endorsed India's candidature to the UN Security Council during a crucial visit by Tang Jiaxuan, state councillor and one of the senior most leaders in China.
The new-look relationship will kick off with a high profile visit by Chinese premier Wen Jiabao in January next year. The relationship is also being substantially upgraded, with both countries preparing to hold their first ever strategic dialogue, while a free trade agreement is being worked out.

But it is China's endorsement of India's candidature to the UN Security Council that has set a new benchmark in the relationship. Speaking to reporters here, Tang said China endorsed India "playing a greater and more constructive role in the UN Security Council". Analysts say this is a major step forward by China and the closest it will get to openly backing India. Beijing had hitherto been ambivalent at best on UN reform or India's candidature. China's endorsement is all the more significant since its 'all-weather
ally' Pakistan went on record at the UN General Assembly opposing India's candidature.
Tang said China would start working on a border trade arrangement through the Nathu La pass in Sikkim.