Chinese Ambassador to India, Sun Weidong has saidthat relations between New Delhi and Beijing go beyond the "bilateralscope, and have important and far-reaching strategic significance."

Speaking exclusively to ANI over the recently concludedtwo-day informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South India, Sun said, "The visit marked the 17th meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi in the past five years.The two leaders took their time in a stroll while discussing world affairs, andhad in-depth communication on the development of bilateral relations as well as overall strategic issues with international and regional significance."'

 "China-India relations go beyond the bilateral scope and have important and far-reaching strategic significance. The two sides should have timely communication on majorissues, respect each other`s core interests, gradually seek mutualunderstanding, and prevent differences from evolving into disputes," theambassador remarked on the consensus reached between the two sides during themeeting and how would it impact the future development of India-Chinarelations.

The envoy said that the two leaders traced the origins ofthe mutual learning between Chinese and Indian civilizations and conceived ablueprint for bilateral people-to-people and cultural exchanges and dialogue.In the face of rising unilateralism and protectionism, the two sides agreed tostrengthen coordination within the framework of multilateral mechanisms such asthe G20, BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, China, Russia and Indiacooperation etc, uphold multilateralism and the multilateral trading system,and promote the conclusion of open and inclusive trade arrangements, he added.

The envoy also gave other details of the informal meet.Given below are certain excerpts from the interview:

Q: India`s huge trade deficit with China has always been amajor concern. What are the guiding views of the leaders of the two countrieson this issue? A: During this informal meeting, the leaders of the twocountries had an extensive communication on the topics of practical economiccooperation, including the common vision and goals of each country`s economicdevelopment and the alignment of their development strategies. Both sidesagreed to establish a high-level economic and trade dialogue mechanism tostrengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation and better promote thebalanced development of bilateral economic and trade cooperation. The two sidesalso agreed to work together to conclude negotiations on a mutually beneficialand balanced Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership as soon as possible.

Q: What impact do you think this meeting will have on theinternational and regional landscape? A: China and India shoulder increasinglyimportant responsibilities in maintaining global stability and promotingdevelopment. In the 21st century, world peace cannot be achieved withoutcooperation between the two countries. Both sides are committed to building aninclusive international order based on international law, including inadvancing reforms that reflect the new international landscape of the 21stcentury. Both countries also believe that at a time when global trade practicesand norms are being challenged, the multilateral rules-based trading systemshould be supported and strengthened, and efforts should be made to continue topromote open and inclusive trade arrangements that benefit all countries. Chinaand India have made important efforts in addressing global developmentchallenges, including climate change and achieving sustainable developmentgoals. Both are committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and call onall countries to strengthen international cooperation in fighting terrorism.President Xi had further stressed that he sincerely looked forward to goodrelations between China and India, China and Pakistan as well as India andPakistan. He proposed that China and India play a leading role in regionalinter-connectivity and work to build a more open connectivity network.

Q: There are still some differences in China-Indiarelations, including the boundary question. How should the two sides handlethese differences? A: China has always believed that the two sides shouldcorrectly view their differences, and never let the differences dim the overallsituation of bilateral cooperation. At the same time, the two countries shouldgradually seek understanding through communication and constantly resolve theirdifferences. During their informal summit, the two leaders had exchanged viewson pending issues including borders. They welcomed the work done by the SpecialRepresentatives and instructed them to continue their efforts to seek amutually agreed framework based on the political parameters and guidingprinciples for the settlement of the China-India boundary question reached in2005.

Q: Being China`s ambassador to India, you participated inthe whole process of the informal meeting between the two leaders. What areyour impressions? A: Being a Chinese ambassador to India, I am honoured to be apart of the Chennai informal meeting. I am deeply impressed by the importanceis given and thoughtful arrangements made by the Indian side too during thetwo-day meeting. First, the two leaders had an in-depth discussion over a longperiod of time in various forms. President Xi and Prime Minister Modi spentmost of their meeting discussing one-on-one exchanges, including mutuallearning over civilizations of the two countries, witnessing the splendidcultural performances under the deep starry sky, and enjoying tea together atthe seaside. Prime Minister Modi had accompanied the visiting dignitary duringthe guided tour of Arjuna`s Penance, Panch Rathas, Shore Temple and othermonuments in the coastal town of Mamallapuram. The time the two leaders spenttogether discussing and exchanging ideas was longer than expected. They talkedfreely without setting a specific agenda, which enhanced their friendship andmutual trust. The ever-growing friendly sentiments between the Chinese andIndian people were also impressive. People in Chennai welcomed President Xi bysinging and dancing in their traditional attire. Some of them walked on stiltsand waved the Chinese national flag.

In his concluding remarks, the envoy stated that the twosides further agreed to make the "Year of China-India Cultural andPeople-to-People Exchange" in 2020 a success and hold 70 activities tocelebrate the 70th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations. The Fujianprovince in south-eastern China will enter into sister province with Tamil Naduin southern India. The two sides will explore the feasibility of historical andcultural studies on these two places and research on maritime exchanges betweenChina and India, he said.