Chinese envoy seeks safe passage for Olympic torch

China has been apprehensive that protestors would try their best to embarrass it over the Tibet issue and has warned that the Olympic torch could even skip the Indian leg if its security concerns were not addressed. National Security Advisor M K Narayanan has already said that all steps would be taken to ensure a safe passage for the torch across India.

After protestors stormed the embassy last week, China had let its displeasure be known by summoning Indian Ambassador to China Nirupama Rao well past midnight to apprise her of their concerns on the issue.

On Thursday, however, both sides sought to downplay the issue, with Zhang telling reporters before the meeting that the media was making it out to be a big deal. The Home Ministry, on its part, described the meeting as a 8220;courtesy call8221;.

The Ambassador expressed 8220;appreciation for the steps taken by the Government of India to provide protection to the Chinese diplomatic and consular premises and various measures taken by the Government in this context,8221; a Home Ministry statement said after the meeting. Patil is learnt to have assured Zhang that the Government could continue to cooperate in this regard.