China keen to make progress on border issue during PM Modi's visit

Delhi: China said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China will push forward strategic partnership between the two countries.

Hua Chunying, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, “Taking PM Modi’s visit to China as an opportunity, we're going to further strengthen strategic mutual trust between two countries and deepen practical cooperation and cultural communication,” adding, “We are now in close communication with the Indian side on the preparations to host Prime Minister Modi in China.”

She further said that it China was willing to work together with India.

She added that China was keen to strive for "more progress" on the resolution of the boundary dispute with India during PM Modi's visit here next week.

"The boundary question is an issue of common interest. So I believe that this question will be covered in their talks. We look forward to enhancing the communication with the Indian side to strive for more progress on the relevant issue," she said replying to a question, as per PTI.

Xi was warmly received by Modi when he visited India last September and "China deeply appreciates this", Hua said while answering questions on Modi's three-day visit to China starting May 14.

About the progress achieved after Xi's visit to India, Hua said, "the two sides have maintained the peace and tranquillity of the border area and positive outcomes have been achieved in economy and trade as well as on some other issues. So we are looking forward to Prime Minister Modi's visit to China and hope to make more efforts to push forward bilateral relations."

Earlier, PM Modi today expressed confidence that the trip will lay the foundation for enhancing cooperation in a wide range of sectors and strengthen stability, progress and prosperity in Asia.

"Looking forward to visiting China from May 14-16 to boost friendship between our 2 ancient civilizations & 2 largest developing nations," he tweeted in English and Chinese.

"I eagerly await productive discussions with President Xi Jinping & Premier Li Keqiang. I am confident my visit will lay the foundation for further enhancing economic co-operation with China in a wide range of sectors," Modi said in another tweet.

"Am certain that my visit to China will strengthen stability, progress and prosperity in Asia," he added.

Looking forward to visiting China from 14-16 May to boost friendship between our 2 ancient civilizations & 2 largest developing nations. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 6, 2015

In China I will visit Xi'an, Beijing and Shanghai. I eagerly await productive discussions with President Xi Jinping & Premier Li Keqiang. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 6, 2015

Honoured that Mr. Xi Jinping invited me to Xi'an in his home province & a land associated with Xuan Zang, who visited India. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 6, 2015

I am confident my visit will lay the foundation for further enhancing economic co-operation with China in a wide range of sectors. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 6, 2015

我坚信这次访问中国将加强亚洲稳定、发展和繁荣。Am certain that my visit to China will strengthen stability, progress and prosperity in Asia. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 6, 2015

PM Modi is expected to be hosted by Xi at ancient Chinese city of Xian, the capital of the Chinese President's home province on May 14, where he would reciprocate the hometown diplomacy displayed by the Indian leader during Xi's visit to Ahmedabad last year.

The two leaders were expected to spend considerable time to have informal dialogue on a host of issues before settling for formal talks on May 15 in Beijing.

Besides Xi, Modi will hold talks with Premier Li Keqiang and Chairman of the China's legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC).

(With Agency inputs)