South Asia moving toward closer China relations

The 14th Summit of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which opens today in New Delhi, is considered a milestone in the regional organization's history. It encompasses the addition of new member Afghanistan and the first ever participation of five observer parties China, Japan, the United States, the Republic of Korea and the European Union.

They are joining SAARC member nations India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Maldives at the 14th summit.

The summit is seen as a move toward deepening the development of the long-standing cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship between China and South Asia.