In its first positive assessment of the October 24 meeting between Singh and Wen on the margins of the ASEAN Summit in Thailand amid the Chinese protests over Arunachal Pradesh, an editorial in the People's Daily, the mouthpiece of the ruling Communist Party of China, said the two prime ministers reached consensus that the two neighbours should forge a strategic partnership.
"The consensus between Premier Wen and Indian PM Singh is just like a gentle breeze, clearing up all the suspicion and misunderstanding that have hindered bilateral relations over the past decades," it said, two days after China blamed the Dalai Lama for the recent tension in Sino-India ties.
The paper noted that during their meeting, Wen and Singh agreed that the two countries should forge a strategic partnership to maintain regional peace and stability, achieve the goal of common development and harmonious prosperity.
While pointing out that Sino-India relations are steadily on the rise despite the ups and downs over the past decades, the editorial underlined that leaders from both countries reached agreement that China and India would 'never regard each other as a threat,' which served as a political foundation for development of bilateral ties from strategic perspective.
On the disputed border issue, the two sides agreed to narrow their differences through dialogue on the political principles already reached, and jointly work out a solution that goes in line with the interests of both sides, the editorial noted.
"The two sides also need to ensure peace and create a friendly environment in border areas, as well as enhance cooperation and bilateral ties in various aspects," it said.
India and China were recently engaged in a verbal spat over Prime Minister Singh's visit to Arunachal Pradesh in October as well as over the Dalai Lama's proposed visit to the state over which China lays claim.
China objected to both visits, but India rejected Beijing's objections. "Generally speaking, Sino-Indian relations witnessed smooth development over the past decades, but some pending issues and unnecessary misunderstanding have plagued bilateral ties. It is of vital importance to combat various pressure and challenges through collaboration," the editorial said and also highlighted the role of the media in promoting the public perception of bilateral ties.
"Media from both countries should play a constructive role, creating a healthy environment to facilitate public opinion," it said. "China and India, the two neighbours with the world's largest population, are forging ahead towards peace and development, which is the common wish of both leaders and people," the editorial added.
