China.org.cn: India launched Agni-3 long range missiles recently and was reported to hold a multi-national military parade. Will these actions threaten China's security? How will China respond?

Zhang Yan: I've noticed such report. What I want to stress today is that the communication between China and India in the field of defense has been strengthened. A dialogue mechanism was established between the countries' defense ministries; other activities, such as joint military training, exchange visits of warships and anti-piracy coordination, were also conducted. China is willing to work with India to promote mutual trust, advance cooperation, and contribute to the peace and stability of the region and the world. China will never pose a threat to any other country and is capable of safeguarding its development.

China.org.cn: For two ancient civilized countries, is cultural exchange the best way to bridge their peoples? What will China do to promote cultural exchange with India to build up mutual trust?

Zhang Yan: China and India are two of the world's four civilizations. Looking back on the 2,000 years of exchange history, the Chinese civilization and Indian civilization have been influencing and learning from each other. This unique good interaction between different civilizations has contributed to their respective development and is still in progress. China has held a 2006 China-India Friendship Year and 2007 China-India Year of Friendship through Tourism to deepen and extend the exchange in the fields of culture, art and education. Since 2006, China and India have sent youth delegations numbering 100 people to the other country every year for a visit. China Festival in India and India Festival in China will also be launched this year. Friendship between the Indian and Chinese people will surely be strengthened, then, through the exchange visit of high-profiled troupes, various exhibitions and film weeks.

China.org.cn: China's Buddhist culture has been influenced by Indian Buddhism. What do you think of Buddhism's function in moralization?

Zhang Yan: Originating in India, Buddhism has developed very well in China. Its essence has penetrated into the Chinese culture and exerted great influence on China's ancient philosophy, literature, art, architecture, and folklore. Buddhism, no doubt, has left indelible traces in the two civilizations' exchange history. China once built the Xuanzang Memorial Hall in Nalanda, India's Buddhist holy land, and it was renovated in 2007. Years ago, India built the Buddhist Hall west of White Horse Temple (Baima Temple) in Luoyang City of central China's Henan Province. Both buildings witnessed the Buddhist exchange between the two countries. In recent years, delegations from the countries' Buddhist circle also visited each other.

China.org.cn: It was reported that Indian leaders are scheduled to visit China this year. Would you please release the arrangements of this tour?

Zhang Yan: Yes, the Indian president will visit China on invitation, and both sides are currently busy communicating and coordinating with each other. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will release the details once everything is fixed. It is a big event for the Sino-Indian relations, and I believe it will further advance our friendly cooperation in various fields.

(China.org.cn March 28, 2010)