Nathu La (Sikkim): Giving thrust to bilateral confidence building measures (CBMs) on the Sino-India border, a delegation of Chinese army today joined their Indian counterparts in celebrating India`s Independence day at the border post in Nathu La.
Led by Senior Colonel Wang Ji Ping, the Chinese delegation crossed over to the Indian border post at a height of 14,130 feet and participated in the ceremony in which flags of both the nations were hoisted and national anthems sung.
The ceremony was held close to the zero border on the Nathu La pass here.
"This action is conducive to peace and tranquility and will maintain the trust between Chinese and Indian people. " Chinese delegation leader Wang Ji Ping said.
The flag hosting ceremony was followed by an interaction between Indian and Chinese delegations. Several Chinese officers had also brought their family members and children along for the celebrations.
The interaction, in which the camaraderie was clearly visible, went on for nearly two hours. As the Indian side performed bhangra and sang folk songs to entertain the visitors, the Chinese too participated enthusiastically and danced along with the hosts.
"The annual feature started after the confidence building measures which were put in place in 1993 after the treaty for border peace and tranquility," Brigadier Ravi Jhaldiyal, Commander 63 mountain brigade said.
Jhaldiyal led the Indian delegation in welcoming Chinese officers and their families.
PTI
