Beijing, Jan 26 (IANS): India and China must not fall into the trap of rivalry set by the West, a Chinese daily said Monday alluding to US President Barack Obama's second visit to India and being the chief guest of the Republic Day parade.

"Many reports by Western media have pointed out that the US, regardless of historical complications, is putting more efforts into soliciting India to act as a partner, even an ally, to support Washington's 'pivot to Asia' strategy, which is mainly devised to counter China's rise," an op-ed piece in the Global Times stated.

It said India, which has ambitions to be a major power, needed US investment, technologies and political support so that its "Look East" foreign policy could better function to counterbalance China's growing influence.

"The West is egging India on to be fully prepared for 'threats' posed by its large neighbour. Considering the fact that both sides still have territorial disputes and will probably have wider engagement at many levels, this so-called rivalry between India and China will not stop making headlines in Western media."

However, a trap is a trap, however craftily set, and it would be revealed eventually, it added.

"Putting aside debates over specific issues, China and India must keep in mind that their relations cannot take a life-or-death struggle as a foothold. The common interests they share are way larger than any differences."