Aiyar postpones China visit to January
Mani Shankar Aiyar has postponed to mid-January his plans to visit China.
Aiyar was to visit China in November but since his host was travelling overseas he had to change his plans. We learn the Chinese suggested Aiyar visit in December but parliament is in session making it difficult.
We told the Chinese last week that some time in mid January was suitable for us, an oil ministry source says. Once we receive a positive reply well finalise the dates and the itinerary.
Ma Kai, chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, will host Aiyar during his visit to China. China does not have an energy minister and this body is similar to, but more powerful than our Planning Commission, says a source.
Aiyar plans to visit Urumqui, Daqing, Shanghai, Beijing and Kunming. He originally wanted to cross into China by road through Myanmar but now plans to fly in.
We were not sure that a road from Myanmar to China actually existed.
