H.E. Mr. Sun Yuxi, Chinese Ambassador to India made the following remarks on the SAARC's accepting China as its observer in principle in a written interview with BIC TIMES on 25 November:  

    Since its establishment in two decades ago, SAARC has played an important role in promoting economic and social progress in South Asia. As a friendly neighbour to South Asia, China sincerely hopes to see greater achievements of SAARC in promoting regional cooperation. China welcomes the successful convocation of the 13th Summit of SAARC and hopes that Southern Asian countries can make more achievements in the process of promoting regional cooperation. The Summit accepted China in principle as observer of SAARC, of which we think positively. We stand ready to work with SAARC members to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation to realize common prosperity.