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f every one of our combined 2.5 billion population buys a new mobile phone, it would blow up the order lists of IT manufacturers and operators in the world,' visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said in New Delhi on Tuesday. The take-home message? The combined power of China and India can be just as productive as it could be damaging to the world.

Premier Li met with Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh on Monday in an ambience dominated by prolonged border tension and sensitive issues, like Tibet for China and the closer relation between China and Pakistan for India. India is also closely watching China's approach to India's smaller neighbors.

Tension can easily get out of control when the leaders of the world's first and second most populous nations use problems to leverage international support for their respective governments.

India was pleased to be Li's choice as his first foreign destination, while for China, the visit distances them from the United States. With China facing more disputes, especially on trade, Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet US President Barack Obama next month.

The two Asian superpowers are well aware that they must restrain themselves in handling their bilateral conflicts for the sake of larger interests, especially the economy and geopolitics.

The two countries can enjoy great mutual benefits from one another: while India is strong on information technology and software, China is more advanced in manufacturing, textiles and infrastructure.

India however, is demanding more balanced trade with China. Much of their total US$61.5 billion bilateral trade last year was in China's favor, so it is small wonder that India is insisting on more access to its neighbor. With trade expected to be worth $100 billion in 2015, India will continue pressing China for more equitability.

The 10 members of ASEAN have good political and economic relations with the two giants, and will always try to avoid conflicts with China and India, amid the concerted efforts by the two states to cozy up to association.

The New Delhi summit will be very fruitful for ASEAN and the world if Li and Singh fulfill their commitment to peace and stability in Asia.