China proposes 4-point initiative to improve relations with India

NEWDELHI: China has proposed a four-point initiative to overcome differences and deepen relations with India which includes aligning its ‘One Belt One Road’ project with India’s’ Act East Policy’ and restart negotiations on a free trade pact.

The proposal put forward by Chinese envoy Luo Zhaohui also includes starting negotiations on a ‘China-India Treaty of Good Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation’ and prioritising finding an early solution to the border dispute between the two countries.

“Firstly, start negotiation on a China-India Treaty of Good Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation. Secondly, restart negotiation of China-India Free Trade Agreement.

Thirdly, strive for an early harvest on the border issue. Fourthly, actively explore the feasibility of aligning China’s ‘One Belt One Road Initiative’ (OBOR) and India’s ‘Act East Policy’,” he said.

The Chinese envoy made the remarks while speaking at defence think-tank United Service Institution on Friday but the text of his closeddoor address was released by the Chinese Embassy on Sunday.

The envoy’s four-point suggestion to overcome differences comes at a time when the relationship between the two Asian powers has been going through a rough patch due to differences on a range of issues.

THE CHINESE ENVOY MADE THE REMARKS WHILE SPEAKING AT DEFENCE THINKTANK UNITED SERVICE INSTITUTION ON FRIDAY