China seeks to bolster influence in S Asia during Wen's trip

In his first South Asian foray since becoming premier, Wen will visit Pakistan from Tuesday through Thursday, then spend one day in Bangladesh, another day in Sri Lanka, before heading to India on April 9 for four days.

The visit underlines China's growing recognition of South Asia as a key area in its foreign policy initiatives, especially as Washington puts emphasis on strengthening ties with New Delhi, analysts said.

"China seems continually worried about being contained by the United States," said Brad Glosserman, director of research for the Hawaii-based think tank Pacific Forum CSIS.

"China is concerned and they're working to develop positive relations with these countries. They assume at some point there will be some competition between China and the US for pre-eminence in the region."

India had been sidelined by Beijing, which traditionally placed greater importance on relations with India's rival Pakistan.

But with the cosy military partnership between Washington and Islamabad since the September 11, 2001, attacks, China is taking a new look at its priorities.