China downplays Japanese PM's visit to India

Abe's visit, however, evoked a lot of interest here with some Chinese publications featuring his presence as Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations prominently.

“Abe cozies up to India,” a front page report of the state-run Global Times said.

The visit as analysts said aimed at “pinning down China but hardly looks like succeeding,” the report said.

Despite media speculation over a sense of unease being felt in China over Abe, who is the mostly widely criticized Japanese leader in China, Indian officials were confident that Beijing will see it in a proper context as New Delhi has maintained a steady silence over the Sino-Japanese islands dispute.

India also did not comment on the establishment of an air defence zone over the East China Sea by China, which drew flack from the US and many other countries.

India in general terms has been emphasising the importance of the freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce and peaceful settlement of disputes, officials said.