Ahead of Modi-Xi Summit, China makes big 'Asian Century' statement

The President of China, Xi Jinping, is scheduled to have a second informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mamallapuram near Chennai on Friday & Saturday. Prior to the Xi's visit to India, Chinese state-run media has made a big statement on India-China relations. In an article published in China's mouthpiece Global Times, China has said that the 21st century cannot be Asia's century without the cooperation of the two countries.

'Without the cooperation between India and China, the rise of Asia looks impossible'

The Article states that without the cooperation between India and China, the rise of Asia looks impossible. The article also states the importance of investments both countries get from each other.

" Chinese companies have in recent years proactively participated in India's initiatives, such as "Make in India" and "Digital India," expanding investment in the country's industrial parks and e-commerce, creating substantial job opportunities in India. India's investment in China is also rising." says the article.

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Border issues between India- China

The article further talks about the border issues between the countries and states that if the issues are dealt with peacefully, it will be a 'model' for the world. However, it also accuses India of being 'distrustful' of China and implies that the vigilance between the countries has been holding back the economic integration.

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China calls for the growth of bilateral relations 

Earlier, China’s ambassador to India Sun Weidong stated that the border issues between India and China are a complicated and sensitive issue and asserted that solutions should be found through dialogue and consultation.

“Look, the China-India boundary issue is a complex and sensitive issue that left over from history. Since the establishment of the Special Representative Meeting on the Boundary Question in the year 2003, the two sides have held 21 rounds of talks which have played an important role in promoting the settlement of the boundary question and to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. So at the present, following the important consensus of our leaders, to properly handle the boundary question and to promote the growth of bilateral relations and with their political guidance, the two sides have been pushing forward their special representatives' meeting process, bearing in mind the overall bilateral ties and people’s wellbeing,” he said.

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The first informal summit

The first informal summit between India and China was held at the Chinese city of Wuhan, last year, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met each other after the Doklam incident. The first summit showed that the standoff at the border did not bitter the ties between the two countries.

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