Heads of Beijing, New Delhi to meet, aid understanding

The upcoming meeting between Chinese and Indian leaders will deepen trust between the two countries and set the direction and new goals for the development of bilateral ties, Vice-Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said on Tuesday.

President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an informal meeting in Wuhan, Hubei province, on Friday and Saturday.

The meeting is the first of its kind and “there is no precedent in each other’s countries”, Kong said.

The two countries arranged the informal summit to create a relaxed, comfortable and friendly atmosphere for discussions between the two leaders. They will have “heartto-heart discussions” about overarching issues and try to build mutual trust and consensus to resolve differences, Kong said.

Though they will not sign agreements or issue joint statements related to the meeting, the important consensus they may reach will not only benefit the people of the two countries but also have an important and positive influence on regional and global peace and development, Kong said.

Asked why Wuhan was selected as the place for the summit, Kong said the city, the largest in Central China, has a deep culture and is enjoying closer and closer exchanges with Indian states.

Modi, who has visited Chinese cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Hangzhou and Xiamen, has not yet visited a city in Central China, Kong said, adding that such a trip will be “a whole new experience” for Modi and increase his understanding of China.

Both countries have been having close contact to prepare for the meeting, and the role that informal meetings play in bilateral ties is beginning to show, Kong said.

Xi and Modi will hold an informal meeting in Wuhan, Hubei province, on Friday and Saturday.