China, India should make correct choice in development of relations: Wang Yi

NEW DELHI, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- China, India should make correct choice in development of relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Monday.

The visiting Chinese official, during his meeting with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Kumar Doval, said the Sino-Indian relations are at a crucial moment when both sides need to make right choice on the future of the bilateral relations.

China and India are two nations with international influence, thus the two countries should treat the bilateral relations from long-term perspective and global vision, Wang said.

In particular, said the Chinese foreign minister, the two countries should boost strategic communication and trust, and should properly handle problems left over by history and some specific issues in bilateral relations, without politicizing and complicating them to hamper the development of the Sino-Indian relations.

Wang also said the Belt and Road Initiative is an economic cooperation initiative and an international cooperation platform as well.

Proposed by China in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming at building trade and infrastructure networks connecting countries and regions along the ancient trade routes of Silk Road.

The initiative, with the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration, is aimed at benefitting all nations and peoples along the belt and road, said Wang.

He said China is willing to boost the mutually beneficial cooperation with India in the sector of connectivity.

The Indian side shared the Chinese side's view of making right choice on the issues with overall importance to the development of bilateral relations, said Doval.

India and China have far more common interests than differences and some specific problems should not affect the overall situation and long-term goals of the development of bilateral relations, said Doval.

India is ready to working with China to continue enhancing strategic mutual trust, properly managing differences and promoting the exchanges and cooperation in all fields including connectivity, while strengthening communication and coordination on global affairs to safeguard the common interests of emerging market countries and developing countries, he said. Enditem