Expert says China, India need to adopt more flexible approach to ties

Beijing, Oct.21 (ANI): An Indian studies expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Sun Shihai, has said that both China and India have to adopt a more flexible approach to their ties, which are maturing with border talks and growing cooperation.

"The two sides still lack enough trust. So, it is normal to see some problems emerge now and then," the China Daily quoted Sun, as saying.

He suggested the two sides should calm down to "take some flexible approaches to tackle the problems."

While recent disputes over historical border issues with India continue to foment, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will hold talks with his Indian counterpart S.M. Krishna in Bangalore to boost a strategic cooperative partnership next Tuesday.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will join them.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu said at a press conference yesterday that "The two sides have agreed to use the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries next year to push forward a strategic cooperative partnership with a series of activities, including two national festivals."

But the relationship between the two countries has been challenged by a series of historical border issues. So far, 13 rounds of border talks have been held between the two.

Last week, China expressed its "strong dissatisfaction" over an Indian leader's visit to a disputed border region. Indian media reports said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh toured and addressed an election rally in the so-called "Arunachal Pradesh."

China and India, the two largest developing countries and Asian neighbors, have witnessed rapid growth in their relationship in recent years and have forged a strategic cooperative partnership. (ANI)