Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on September 23, 2014
2014/09/24
Q: There are reports that when meeting with PLA chiefs of staff, President Xi Jinping stressed that all PLA forces should improve their combat readiness and sharpen their ability to win a regional war in the age of information technology. Since President Xi just returned from India, some reports speculated whether his words were referring to India. What is China's comment on this?
A: Such speculation is far-fetched. As I have said when answering a question from your colleague yesterday, President Xi Jinping's recent state visit to India is very successful, and he received warm and grand welcome by the Indian government and people. During the visit, leaders from both sides reached a high level of consensus on the significance of developing China-India relations. They stressed the strategic significance and global impact of China-India relations from a historic and holistic point of view, decided to carry forward and build on the bonds of friendship, and ensured that cooperation will always remain the main melody of China-India relations. As for the boundary issue, leaders from both sides also reached a high level of consensus, and determined to continue with friendly consultation to resolve it. Pending final settlement, both sides should jointly safeguard peace and tranquility of the border area so that the boundary issue will in no way shadow the normal development of bilateral ties.
Both China and India are major countries with great influence. As President Xi said, when China and India speak with one voice, the whole world will lend ears. China and India should have such sense of historical responsibility, and courage to fulfill it. We should join hands to promote regional and global peace, stability and development. I hope you can convey this message to the Indian press.
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Q: There are reports that 800 Chinese troops are holding position 3 kilometers inside the Indian territory near the Line of Actual Control. What is your response to that?
A: As I have said before, China and India share the strong will and good faith in keeping in timely contacts and effectively managing the situation through a series of existed mechanisms on the boundary issue. As far as I know, the situation on the ground has been brought under control in a timely and effective manner. The border area is in a peaceful state.
Q: "The China-India Media Dialogue" scheduled to be held in India this week was cancelled. Will this diminish the achievements of President Xi Jinping's visit to India or change the trajectory of China-India relations?
A: I think you concern is ill-founded. I suggest we look at things from a macroscopic view, instead of letting one small incident obscure the whole picture. We have briefed the achievements of President Xi's successful state visit to India. I would like to refer you to Foreign Minister Wang Yi's remarks to journalists in which he talked about the significance and achievements of President Xi's visit to India as the visit came to an end. During the visit, both sides issued a joint statement on building a closer partnership for development which incorporates details about enhancing communication and cooperation in various fields. We are extremely sincere and confident when we say we seek to advance China-India relations to a higher and more profound level.
"The China-India Media Dialogue" is an exchange activity between media groups of the two countries. As for why this event is delayed, you need to ask the organizers. I want to stress that more exchange and cooperation among media groups will go a long way in deepening mutual trust and cementing the public foundation of bilateral ties.
Q: Indian Prime Minister Modi went to Japan not too long ago. Some media in China believed that India should develop its ties with China, instead of Japan. Does China believe that India and Japan coming together will get in the way of China-India relationship?
A: China is willing to develop friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. We are pleased to see other countries develop state-to-state relations on the basis of embracing the same principles. Chinese people are not that sensitive, nor that petty. As long as the ties between relevant countries are conducive to regional peace and development, we welcome that.