China echoes Modi, says ready to further promote ties

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson spoke highly of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on the bilateral ties on Friday, voicing hope for further progress during Modi's China visit, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

"We have noticed the report and appreciate Prime Minister Modi's positive remarks, which embodied the broad consensus reached by the heads of the two countries on China-India relations," said foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying at a regular press briefing here.

In an interview with Time magazine published on Thursday, Modi said both India and China "have shown great maturity in the last couple of decades". 

Modi is to pay official visit to China from May 14 to 16, his first since he assumed office last May.

"The bilateral ties are facing important opportunity," Hua said, adding China was ready to work with India to take Modi's visit as an opportunity to further consolidate the good momentum and push the bilateral ties to a new high.

Hua recalled President Xi Jingping's state visit to India, and stressed the two leaders made plans for the development of bilateral strategic partnership for the next five to 10 years.

The two countries continued to promote their border negotiation, properly handled the disputes and jointly maintained the peace and stability in the bordering area, she noted. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang will all meet with the Indian leader during his visit to Beijing.