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Sino-Indian ties will take new strides in 2004: China
Beijing, Jan 1: Noting that Sino-Indian relations witnessed a `sound momentum` in the year gone by, China today said bilateral ties were poised to take new strides in 2004 if both sides grasp the `historic opportunity` and seriously implement the consensus reached during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s visit last June.
Beijing, Jan 1: Noting that Sino-Indian relations
witnessed a "sound momentum" in the year gone by, China today
said bilateral ties were poised to take new strides in 2004 if
both sides grasp the "historic opportunity" and seriously
implement the consensus reached during Prime Minister Atal
Bihari Vajpayee's visit last June.
"We believe that so long as both sides use a long-term vision to view and handle the bilateral relations, firmly grasp the present historic opportunity, seriously abide by all the principles agreed in the joint declaration and implement all consensus reached between the two sides, the Sino-Indian relations will definitely continue to take strides toward a new stage in the new year," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said. India and China signed their first-ever joint declaration during Vajpayee's visit to Beijing in June last year which set out the principles for bilateral ties in the new century. "We are satisfied and happy with this progress," Liu said when asked to comment on the trends in bilateral ties in 2003 and prospects for 2004.
"The progress in Sino-Indian relations has reflected the common aspirations of the people of the two countries and accords with their fundamental interests. It is also beneficial for peace, stability and development of the region and the world," he said.
In 2004, the Chinese government will continue to uphold the neighbourhood policy of "improving relations with neighbours and treating thems partners", and will work towards implementing friendly policies towards India and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas, Liu said.
Evaluating bilateral ties in 2003, he said Sino-Indian relations witnessed a "sound momentum" of accelerated development and the leaders of both countries maintained close contact. "The understanding, trust and friendship between the two sides have continually deepened," he said while noting that bilateral economic cooperation had further widened.
Exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, military and other areas have developed steadily, Liu said. "Exchanges between Parliaments, political parties, provincial governments as well as people-to-people exchanges have gradually increased and cooperation between the two sides in international affairs has become more extensive," he added.
The spokesman also noted that both sides had taken new steps in the process of resolving issues left over by history. The special representatives on the boundary question held their first round of talks, he said. Bureau Report
"We believe that so long as both sides use a long-term vision to view and handle the bilateral relations, firmly grasp the present historic opportunity, seriously abide by all the principles agreed in the joint declaration and implement all consensus reached between the two sides, the Sino-Indian relations will definitely continue to take strides toward a new stage in the new year," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said. India and China signed their first-ever joint declaration during Vajpayee's visit to Beijing in June last year which set out the principles for bilateral ties in the new century. "We are satisfied and happy with this progress," Liu said when asked to comment on the trends in bilateral ties in 2003 and prospects for 2004.
"The progress in Sino-Indian relations has reflected the common aspirations of the people of the two countries and accords with their fundamental interests. It is also beneficial for peace, stability and development of the region and the world," he said.
In 2004, the Chinese government will continue to uphold the neighbourhood policy of "improving relations with neighbours and treating thems partners", and will work towards implementing friendly policies towards India and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas, Liu said.
Evaluating bilateral ties in 2003, he said Sino-Indian relations witnessed a "sound momentum" of accelerated development and the leaders of both countries maintained close contact. "The understanding, trust and friendship between the two sides have continually deepened," he said while noting that bilateral economic cooperation had further widened.
Exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, military and other areas have developed steadily, Liu said. "Exchanges between Parliaments, political parties, provincial governments as well as people-to-people exchanges have gradually increased and cooperation between the two sides in international affairs has become more extensive," he added.
The spokesman also noted that both sides had taken new steps in the process of resolving issues left over by history. The special representatives on the boundary question held their first round of talks, he said. Bureau Report