Xinhua | 9 January 2010

BEIJING: China and India held the third round of defense consultation here Wednesday, according to a press release from the Information Office of China’s Defense Ministry Friday.

Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Ma Xiaotian and visiting Indian Defense Secretary Pradeep Kumar jointly presided over the consultation, during which they exchanged views and reached some consensus on bilateral ties, regional security, national defense policies and military exchanges and cooperation.

During the consultations, the Chinese side expressed its concern to the Indian side over the irresponsible remarks made by a few Indian leaders and some Indian media’s untrue reports.

The Chinese side stressed that both China and India should do more work, which will be favorable for boosting healthy bilateral ties, so as to facilitate the good environment and conditions for China-India relations.

The Indian side said that India’s high-level officials endeavored to clarify the related remarks and those untrue reports and hoped to develop the friendly relations between India and China.

The year 2010, when China will celebrate its “India Year” and India its “China Year”, marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Both sides agreed that the two countries should take this opportunity to strengthen mutual trust, promote cooperation and work together for a better development environment as well as the regional and international peace and stability.

The first consultation was held in 2008.