China, India pledge to deepen military exchanges
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-05-29 21:06 The Chinese and Indian
defense ministers on Monday pledged to deepen military exchanges between the two
armed forces.
Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said during the talks here with his
Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee that the Chinese government hoped peace,
stability and economic growth would continue in the south Asia region.
Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state
councilor, said the Chinese government supported efforts of south Asian nations
to push for regional cooperation.
Friendship and mutually-beneficial cooperation were in the fundamental
interests of China and India, and were conducive to the peace, stability and
development of Asia and the world, Cao said.
Mukherjee said India attached great importance to the strategic and
cooperative partnership with China. The Indian government would work with China
on the basis of mutual respect and mutual trust to continue deepening defense
and military exchanges.
Mukherjee arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a six-day visit as a guest of Cao.
This is Mukherjee's first trip to China since the assumption of his post in
2004. He is expected to meet and hold talks with Chinese leaders and senior
military officers.
The Indian minister will also visit northwest China's Gansu Province and
Shanghai Municipality, the country's economic hub in east
China.
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