Xiong Guangkai, deputy chief of the general staff of the
People's Liberation Army, met with India's Chief of Army Staff
General N.C. Vij on Monday in Beijing.
During their hour-long meeting, the generals exchanged views on
international and regional situations, bilateral military relations
and other issues of common concern.
India and China held their first joint naval exercises off the
Shanghai port on November 14, 2003. Frontline warships of the two
navies and aircraft were used during the drill.
General Vij said India considers the development of its
relations with China a matter of great importance, and
Indian-Chinese friendship is conducive to maintaining regional and
global peace and stability.
The general expressed hopes that the nations and armies will
increase exchanges and cooperate at various levels to strengthen
ties.
Vij's visit reflects the overall development of Sino-Indian
relations, said Pei Yuanying, a former Chinese ambassador to India,
in an interview with China Daily.
Trade between the world's most populous developing countries has
surpassed US$1.2 billion this year, a year ahead of the target.
Vij, who has been visiting various cities since his arrival last
Wednesday, is the highest-ranking Indian army officer to visit
China since 1994.
He is also meeting with other Chinese national and military
leaders during his eight-day visit as a guest of the PLA
Headquarters of the General Staff.
(China Daily December 28, 2004)