By Gu Jianjun, postdoctor of Research Department in Development Strategy of the World in Central Compilation and Translation Bureau
India President Pranab Mukherjee paid his first state visit to China on May 24-27, serving as one of the most important high-level interactions between the two countries in the past few years.
China and India are two great ancient civilizations that have become the two biggest developing and emerging market countries. Sino-Indian cooperation supports the well-being of over 2.5 billion people in the two countries that have ushered in greater prosperity for Asia and the world.
Chinese President XI Jinping visited India in 2014, and later Indian Premier Naharhendra Modi visited China in 2015. The two sides have entered a new era of rapid development in their partnership.
Despite positive results gained by political mutual trust, they still face major obstacles in developing bilateral ties. Beijing's Belt and Road initiative is a Symphony with many partners working together. Yet, China had invited India to join in, but Delhi has not given a clear response yet. Additionally, a territorial dispute in Southern Tibet remains a sensitive topic impacting relations.
Although the Indian president serves a symbolic role, Mukherjee is a seasoned politician. He is aware of all aspects of Sino-Indian relations.
He told China Central Television (CCTV) that Delhi hopes to work with Beijing in a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable manner to address the India-China boundary question so as to deepen bilateral relations.
Last month, the special representatives of both sides held the 19th meeting of the Special Representative for Sino-Indian borders in Beijing. Both countries are committed to using negotiations to settle territorial disputes.
Both sides recognize that dialogue should accommodate each other's concerns. Differences should not become obstacles for further cooperation. Development is the common aspirations for the two countries.
China and India have achieved an unprecedented development of bilateral relations for the past 20 years, establishing mechanisms for cooperation in the political, security, economic, educational and cultural fields.
China and India have worked together with other nations to establish the BRIC New Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Their joint efforts would enhance global financial architecture and promote regional cooperation for sustainable development.
Mukherjee's visit favors a bilateral pragmatic cooperation to make the 21st century, the century for Asia.
( The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com. )
Panview offers an alternative angle on China and the rest of the world through the analyses and opinions of experts. We also welcome outside submissions, so feel free to send in your own editorials to "globalopinion@vip.cntv.cn" for consideration.
