We cannot remain untouched by China8217;s rise: PM

8220;As China8217;s largest neighbour, and a friend, we cannot remain untouched by this momentous process,8221; he said while noting that the destinies of the two countries were linked by geography and history.

Singh, who wrapped up his three-day trip during which he called on President Hu Jintao and held extensive talks with Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, said he 8220;looked forward with optimism to the future and the role which India and China are destined to play in the transformation of Asia and the world as well.8221;

He said this optimism was based on his conviction that there was 8220;enough space8221; for both countries to grow and prosper while strengthening their cooperative engagement.

8220;History shows that our two civilisations, flourished for centuries, side by side, interacting and influencing each other,8221; he noted.