Things been cahnging in South Asia. India seems to have just realized the importance of China in SAARC. There's two reasons for this, as far as I can see: Trade and Security. (or it's just India's foreign minister happens to be a Peking University alumn). But it's indeed a strategic move on India's part. Once China becomes a member, India will definately push for SAFTA and will seek China's help in joining the ASEAN free trade agreement. SAARC to debate China?s association in Dhaka BY SURENDRA PHUYAL NEW DELHI, Jan 27 - India on Thursday said it is working "pro-actively" with China to address differences on all issues including the border issue, days before the heads of state of SAARC members meet in Dhaka to discuss a host of regional issues, including associating China with the 20-year-old regional grouping. Addressing the Asian Security Conference on ?Changing Security Dynamics in East Asia? in New Delhi Thursday, External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh stated that the two neighbors are working to iron out differences, including the border dispute.Singh?s statement comes weeks before the 13th SAARC Summit convenes in the Bangla capital, where heads of state of the seven SAARC members ? Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan ? will discuss a host of issues to foster cooperation in the world?s poorest region.The final declaration issued at the end of the twelfth summit had endorsed, in principle, the idea of exploring possible association with interested countries and organizations. http://kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=30201