On April 15, 2010, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Brasilia. Both sides agreed to take the opportunity of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties to push forward China-India strategic cooperative partnership.
Hu first thanked for the condolences the Indian government extended to the Chinese side over the heavy casualties caused by a devastating earthquake that struck the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu in southern Qinghai Province. Singh on behalf of the Indian government and people once again extended profound condolences to the Chinese government and people over the quake disaster, for which Hu expressed thanks.
Hu said that currently China-India relations have shown a sound momentum of all-round, stable development with frequent high-level visits, more exchanges and cooperation in all areas and close communication and coordination on major global issues. It is believed that with the joint efforts of both sides, China-India relations will surely achieve greater progress.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and India. During the past 60 years, friendly cooperation has been the mainstream of bilateral ties as well as a general trend. A review of bilateral relations over the past six decades revealed several important points on the development of these ties. First, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence jointly proposed by China and India constitutes an important foundation for the development of bilateral ties and is also a basic principle guiding the international relations. Second, cooperation benefits both, while confrontation hurts both. China and India are cooperation partners and in no way rivals in competition. Both sides welcome peaceful development of the other side. The Indian Prime Minister said time and again that there is enough room in the world for India and China to prosper together, with which Hu said he fully agreed. Third, China and India have far more common interests than differences and should seek mutual benefit and common development. Fourth, the two countries should understand each other, take care of each other’s core interests and properly handle the other side’s concerns and their differences.
Hu emphasized that currently China-India relations face rare opportunities for development and there is huge potential and broad prospect for their cooperation. China is ready to work with India to increase friendly exchanges at all levels, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas and enrich the connotations of strategic cooperation, to push bilateral ties for sustained, stable and healthy development.
Hu pointed out that an early resolution of the border issue conforms to the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples. He hoped that both sides will continue to advance the process of negotiations based on the spirit of peace and friendship, equal consultations, mutual respect and mutual understanding. Before the settlement of the border issue, both sides should work together to safeguard peace and tranquility of the border areas.
Hu pointed out that China-India economic and trade cooperation is a basis of bilateral cooperation and has huge potential and wide prospect. China is ready to work with India to expand bilateral cooperation on economy and trade. China encourages competent businesses to invest and set up factories in India, which is conducive to increasing employment and promoting trade balance. China would like to enhance cooperation with India in the fields of science and education particularly high-tech and boost consultations and coordination within the G20, the BRIC and other multilateral mechanisms.
Echoing Hu’s proposals on the development of bilateral ties, Singh said this year, which marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, is of great significance to bilateral ties. The Indian government devotes itself to advancing India-China comprehensive strategic partnership and is glad to see the progress made in bilateral ties. As long as the two countries speak in one voice, the world will listen. He hoped to strengthen bilateral cooperation on climate change, the G20, trade, the reform of the international system, education, science, technology and agriculture.
Singh said that economic and trade relationship is the core of India-China relations, expressing hope to advance such ties in a balanced, sustainable, pragmatic and effective way and push bilateral trade to a new high. India welcomes investment from other countries including China and also encourages Indian businesses to investment in China. India is glad about the enhanced defense exchanges with China and is committed to resolving the border issue in a fair and reasonable way that is acceptable to both sides. Before the resolution of the border issue, India is ready to maintain peace and tranquility of the border areas so that it will not hinder the development of bilateral ties. Stronger India-China cooperation at bilateral, global and regional levels is conducive to world peace and development, he said. The future of the ties lies in cooperation and India is ready to make efforts with China in this aspect, he added.
Ling Jihua, Wang Huning, Dai Bingguo and other officials attended the meeting.
