Interestingly, Yang brought up this issue when Mukherjee was talking about the possibility of China extending support to India’s case for permanent membership in the UN Security Council. It’s learnt that China is upset by notions that this initiative is about democracies coming together. While none of the countries have mentioned this, sources said, China has doubts over democracy being the principle on which it can be left out of such deliberations.

In the Chinese vision, the ARF and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation have a key role to play in a newly evolving security architecture in Asia. In fact, the SCO summit will be held next week at Bishkek where Mukherjee will represent India as an observer. US is not part of either of these initiatives.

India is also cautious not to appear anti-China in its policies. Despite China hardening its position on the boundary issue when the two leaders last met in Hamburg, Beijing said it was waiting to hear about the next meeting between the Special Representatives ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s possible China visit towards the year-end. Incidentally, it is Beijing’s turn to propose new dates for talks. With India looking to win Chinese support for the n-deal at the Nuclear Suppliers Group, it’s keen on bridging any gaps that may have surfaced in the relationship of late.