China says army chief visit to boost strategic ties

A day after a senior Chinese military leader backed "pragmatic" defence exchanges and cooperation with India, Beijing on Tuesday said the ongoing visit by Army Chief General J J Singh would help consolidate bilateral strategic relations.

"We believe the visit will be helpful for the further expansion and development of military relations between the two countries," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu told reporters at a biweekly briefing.

Jiang noted that in recent years, Sino-Indian relations have witnessed steady development in all fields.

She stressed that the development of good neighbourly relations between the two countries is an important part of China's foreign policy.

"We hope to work with India to expand our cooperation so as to improve and press ahead with the strategic partnership oriented towards peace and stability," Jiang said.

On the first day of his May 21-25 visit to China, Singh, Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee of Indian Armed Forces, met the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, General Guo Boxiong.

"The two countries should keep expanding and deepening their pragmatic exchanges and enhance defence cooperation within the framework of bilateral strategic partnership of cooperation," Guo told his Indian guest.

As big developing countries, friendship between China and India will bring benefits to the region and the world, he said, citing good momentum of the development of military ties.

Guo said the two militaries have the responsibility to contribute to generational friendship and common prosperity between the two neighbours.

Also on Monday, Singh held official talks with his Chinese counterpart, General Liang Guanglie, covering a wide-range of topic, including the modalities for holding the first-ever joint military exercise between the two countries.

Singh was accorded a red carpet welcome when he arrived at the headquarters of the Central Military Commission, and Liang led Singh to inspect an impressive tri-service guard of honour by the Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers.

The army chief will call on Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong and meet with the new Chinese Foreign Minister, Yang Jiechie, on Wednesday.

He will also visit PLA units and institutions in Wuhan, Hangzhou and Shanghai.