Elephant and dragon dance correct choice for India-China: Xi Jinping
What's the story
At the end of his second informal meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for better ties between both countries.
"To achieve Dragon and Elephant Dance is the only correct choice for China and India, which is in the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples," Xi said in a statement.
The summit happened in Tamil Nadu.
Here's more.
Summit
A town in Tamil Nadu hosted both leaders
The summit started on Friday and ended on Saturday. A coastal town named Mamallapuram, which has historic links with the Chinese, hosted heads of both countries. Naturally, security was upped at the town for the important summit.
In the absence of their aides, PM Modi and Xi had free-wheeling conversations about everything from trade to security.
The delegation-level talks happened towards the end.
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"Differences" shouldn't dilute overall interests: Xi
"Differences between the two countries should be viewed in the correct way. We should not let them dilute the overall interests of bilateral cooperation. At the same time, we should seek understanding through communication and constantly resolve differences," Xi's statement read.
Statement
Xi said problems which can't be solved, should be managed
Further, Xi underlined that Indo-China relations have improved since the first informal summit that happened in Wuhan last year.
"We should carefully handle issues concerning each other's core interests. We should properly manage and control problems that cannot be solved for the time being," he said.
Xi added that the upcoming years will be crucial for both the Asian neighbors.
Border
On border issue, Xi said acceptable solution will be sought
Interestingly, Xi also spoke about the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and said that a solution that is acceptable to both sides will be sought.
In fact, he also proposed a six-point formula that will strengthen ties between the countries.
"We should promote the development of military-to-military relations in the right direction of enhancing trust, clearing up misgivings and friendly cooperation," the Chinese President said.
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He also spoke on trade issues
"We should take the establishment of the high-level economic and trade dialogue as an opportunity to synergize our economic development strategies and explore the establishment of a manufacturing partnership," Xi said on the trade deficit, which amounted to over $57 billion last year.
Furture action
Interestingly, India has accepted China's invitation for third informal summit
Separately, the External Affairs Ministry said that a new mechanism to deal with issues like "trade and investment" will be set up.
"He (Xi) also said the informal summit should continue and lead on for future leaders as well," foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said.
Apparently, Xi also invited PM Modi for a third such summit in China. The invitation has been accepted.