The director of the Beijing-based think tank China National Association of International Studies, Victor Zhikai Gao, on Thursday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China as an important step towards improving the situation on the border dividing the two nations.
He said that both sides need to take a look at each other's common interests like religion, business investments and so forth to be able to make their bilateral friendship that has a long history a stronger
one.
"China has 14 border neighbours and has signed border treaties with 13 out of 14 with India as the only exception. We wholeheartedly welcome the initiative of 'One Belt, One Road'. However, we do feel that this is the first time that mankind is looking at the Eurasian landmass as a single entity for building up infrastructure and connectivity enabling more economic growth. Hence, all the countries will benefit from Chinese investment in CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor). It will act as a dividend for the entire region of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation)," Gao told ANI here.
"It was from Xi'an that the Asian Silk Route started and native scriptures flourished. China has benefitted from India through the spread of Buddhism, which has now become one of the three pillars of
Chinese civilization. We must look at our common interests in order to be able to override bilateral disputes regarding Indo-China border," he added.
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Gao also said that Prime Minister Modi had expressed his desire to become the Deng Xiaoping of India and wished him success on that front.
"(Prime Minister) Modi wants to be the Deng Xiaoping of India. Deng Xiaoping had helped China grow from being a backward country, we hope the Indian Prime Minister will achieve great success," he said.
"It is true that China has a huge surplus in trade while India is currently facing a major deficit. The solution is to export more to us. China and India can jointly set up industrial parks and move some
manufacturing capacities from China to India through Chinese investment," Gao added.
Prime Minister Modi today held summit-level talks with the Chinese President Xi Jinping in Xi'an.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Modi appreciated the Chinese leader for warmly receiving him outside Beijing. President Xi in turn, recalled his visit to Ahmedabad in September last year where he was warmly received by Prime Minister Modi. The Chinese President said he was glad to receive Prime Minister Modi in his home town.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to travel to Beijing later in the day.