China echoes Modi saying ready to further promote ties

A foreign ministry spokesperson spoke highly of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on the bilateral ties on Friday, voicing hope for further progress during Modi's China visit.

"We have noticed the report and appreciate Prime Minister Modi's positive remarks, which embodied the broad consensus reached by heads of the two countries on the China-India relations," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying at a regular press briefing.

In an interview with Time published Thursday, Modi, who will pay his first trip to China since he assumed office last May, said both India and China "have shown great maturity in the last couple of decades".

"The bilateral ties are facing important opportunity," Hua said, adding China was ready to work with India to take modi's visit as an opportunity to further consolidate the good momentum and push forward the bilateral ties to a new high.

Hua recalled Xi's state visit to India, stressing the two leaders made plans for the development of bilateral strategic partnership of cooperation for the next five to ten years.

The two countries continued to promote their border negotiation, properly handled the disputes and jointly maintained the peace and stability in the bordering area, she noted.

Modi is scheduled to visit China for May 14-16. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang will all meet with Modi.