Indian, Chinese, leaders must discuss bilateral problems: Chinese expert

Underlining the importance of "strategic communication" between China and India, a Chinese expert said in comments published on Friday that leaders of both countries must discuss bilateral problems in a bid to resolve them.

Hu Shisheng, the Director of the Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceania Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said strategic communication between China and India was necessary for the two countries.

He said in a commentary published in the state-run Global Times that India's refusal to attend the Belt and Road Forum Summit in Beijing "exposed the strategic discord between the two" countries and said "strategic mutual suspicions seem to be increasing".

Hu said: "China and India should take efforts to remove and clear the suspicions as soon as possible. Enhancing bilateral trust will greatly benefit Sino-Indian relations and bilateral cooperation in the region."

According to Hu, at present interactions among top leaders of China and Russia, the US and Europe were very effective.

"It is hoped that the Sino-Indian interaction between the two countries' leaders can reach the same level.

"The interactions among top leaders should not only involve the main content of strategic communication but also establish a friendly tone and direction for strategic communication and cooperation.

"Besides, the working relationship among Chinese and Indian departments is important. When prominent events occur, the two countries' ministries and military forces should enhance communication.

"In normal times, India and China can use the existing bilateral mechanisms to solve specific problems between them.

"In addition, India and China can carry out think tank dialogues at bilateral, regional and global levels, and launch reports for these dialogues."

Hu's comments, based on a speech delivered by him, come at a time of heightened tensions between India and China over several issues including their dragging border row.

Hu said attention should be paid to several aspects of the strategic communications between China and India.

"One is not revisiting old issues or disputes on which both have reached consensus already... And leaders of the two countries should take the initiative to discuss solutions to specific problems."

--IANS

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