We should build on Antony’s visit, says China

China on Monday said defence minister AK Antony’s just-concluded visit had given both countries an opportunity to enhance “strategic cooperative partnership” and work towards maintaining “peace and tranquility” on the disputed border. Sutirtho Patranobis reports.

China on Monday said defence minister AK Antony’s just-concluded visit had given both countries an opportunity to enhance “strategic cooperative partnership” and work towards maintaining “peace and tranquility” on the disputed border.

HT Image

The spokesperson of China’s foreign ministry, Hua Chunying, said China paid “high attention” to Antony’s visit as he held discussions with Premier Li Keqiang, defence minister general Cheng Wanquang and state councillor and special representative on India-China border talks, Yang Jiechi.

Antony returned on Sunday after a four-day visit to China.

“The two sides exchanged views on defence issues and reiterated that they will enhance defence exchanges with the purpose of maintaining peace in the border areas and create durable conditions for China and India strategic cooperative partnership,” Hua told media.

Hua said, “We emphasise that the two militaries enhance coordination and cooperation.”

Both countries have also agreed to continue discussions on the India-China Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA), she said.