China protests again, US calls Fernandes

8220;The matter was taken up at a higher level and we tried to assuage the feelings of the Chinese side by restating India8217;s commitment to have friendly ties with China,8221; the Indian diplomatic source said.

8220;We clearly told them that the Government of India remains committed to the development of a friendly, cooperative, good-neighbourly and mutually beneficial relationship with China,8221; the source said.

Meanwhile in a related development, the US Defence Secretary William S Cohen has invited George Fernandes to visit the US. In a letter to Fernandes, the US Defence Secretary stated the visit wouldhelp to explore the scope for enhancing New Delhi-Washington relations.