Good neighborly cooperation

Q: How is the Sino-Indian defense relationship developing? How do you view the perception in India that it should constantly match China's growing military might?

A: China and India have made headway in defense cooperation in recent years, as evidenced by the two exchange visits between our defense chiefs, the launch of the Defense Dialogue, two joint military exercises, involving our armies, mutual port calls by naval vessels, joint escort missions in the Gulf of Aden, as well as frequent meetings and contacts between our border troops. As we continue enhancing our mutual understanding and trust, the potential for defense cooperation will be further unleashed.

China advocates a new security concept that stresses mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination. We seek to promote security through cooperation and to resolve disputes through dialogue. This is reflected in the negotiations with India to resolve the boundary question and our joint efforts to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. China and India pose no threat to each other. The security of both countries can be achieved only by pursuing peaceful co-existence and common development. I believe that China and India will continue on this path and work to enhance mutual trust and to resolve disputes through friendly cooperation. In so doing, we will promote our common security and contribute to the durable peace and common prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.

Q: Last, the two countries have made a strong push to strengthen trade ties over the last decade. Though it has reached about $75 billion, India's trade deficit is still ballooning. How does China look to address it? Can we look for new initiatives and investment in this regard from China's new leadership ?

A: China's economy is an open economy. We do not seek a trade surplus. While China enjoys a surplus with the US, Europe and India, it has a deficit with Japan and the Republic of Korea. It is true that China's exports have grown fast, but our imports have grown at an even faster pace.

In recent years, China-India bilateral trade has expanded rapidly, bringing real benefits to both sides. As neighbors and large emerging countries, China and India enjoy huge potential and broad prospects for economic cooperation. We are confident that, by working together, we will reach the goal of $100 billion in two-way trade by 2015. China pays close attention to the trade imbalance. We have already encouraged Chinese companies to import more from India and will continue to do so. We welcome Indian enterprises to actively explore the Chinese market. Not long after the 18th Party Congress, we held the second China-India Strategic Economic Dialogue, which produced many results. I am sure it will lend new impetus to our efforts to expand trade and mutual investment.

China is implementing its 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15). During this period, China's total imports are expected to reach $10 trillion. I sincerely hope that Indian companies will seize this opportunity and export more products that meet the demands of the Chinese market.

(China Daily 12/14/2012 page8)