China-India relations bear global significance: Chinese envoy

NEW DELHI - As the only two developing countries with a population of more than 1 billion, China and India see their relations extend beyond bilateral scope to acquire global significance, Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong said Thursday.

At a reception here marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Sun said that China and India achieved national liberation and independence almost at the same time. "We jointly advocated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and have supported each other in pursuing national development and rejuvenation."

Looking forward, the two emerging countries need to actively explore new ways and manners to better get along, Sun said. "We need to view each other as positive factors in the changing world landscape, and regard each other as partners in realizing our development dreams in a positive, open and inclusive manner."

Sun said both sides should march forward under the guidance of the important consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to further unleash the positive effects of their 2018 meeting in China's Wuhan, deepen practical cooperation in all fields, expand cultural exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and trust and properly manage disputes.

"We need to properly address differences through dialogue and consultation and expand consensus," he said, noting that both sides need to focus on actively shaping bilateral relations and jointly make the cake of cooperation even bigger.

Next year will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and India, he said, adding that the two countries should seize the opportunities and take concrete actions, march together on the path of pursuing the Chinese dream and building a "new India," and continue to strengthen their development partnership.

Over 800 guests attended the reception, including representatives of the Indian government, parliament, media and enterprises as well as foreign diplomats and overseas Chinese.