Government controlled People's Daily in China has said in a report that India's planned Agni-V missile, which is scheduled to be unveiled in February 2012, shows the country's "intention of seeking regional balance of power".

The report cited Indian defense establishment experts describing Agni-V missile as against a certain country without naming the country, a clear reference to China. It also said that India is unwilling to tolerate internal and external security environment constraints that are against its growing military clout.

"It is the Indian goal to continue to strengthen the military and possess a military clout that matches its status as a major power," an expert from the paper read.

The article comes at a time when there is significant concern in China over the straitening ties between India and the USA and their possible collusion against China. Many inside and outside china believe that India-USA cooperation is aimed against China, even as both the countries have said that their relationship is independent of any third country.

It also said, "India should cooperate with the neighboring countries instead of being hostile to them and reduce its own persecution mania to play a role on the world stage in the future."

On the other hand, the article also quoted Indian officials as saying that the missile is not against any country and does not pose a threat to anyone because India has a policy of not first use.