1st Indo-China joint military exercise begins on Dec 20

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Kunming (China), Dec 20: Describing India-China relations as historical, China Deputy Director General, Asian Affairs, Wuxiaoyi today said the joint army training would help in developing strategic relationship between the two countries.

Addressing mediapersons here, he said India is well-known in China as stories about Chinese people visiting it are still remembered. ''We have historical evidence how people were associated with each other and how trade and culture was being shared in those days,'' he said, adding that the two neighbours once again were on their to way to strengthen the friendship they enjoyed. ''This would definitely help clearing the air and people would once again come closer to create new history,'' Mr Wuxiaoyi said.

Talking about the recent visits by leaders, officials and army personnel to each others' countries, he said visits played a significant role in developing mutual trust which was very crucial to get into any kind of strategic relationship with each other.

''I, being an army person, can say that maintaining peace is more important duty of a soldier than going for a war,'' he said, adding that peace was required for overall development of the region.

The ongoing ''positive talks'' and interaction between the armies would pave the way for harmonious and improved relations between the two developing Asian giants, he said.

Mr Wuxiaoyi also requested the media of both the nations to remain positive while reporting on the Indo-China relations. ''If you go on publishing or showing negative stuff, it might hurt the process which could ensure peaceful development of the region,'' he said.

UNI