World Has Enough Space for both China and India, Says Beijing

BEIJING (NNN-XINHUA) -- There is enough room to accommodate the common development of both China and India, says Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei.

He made the comments in response to India's commemorative activities and media reports to mark the 50th anniversary of the border conflict in 1962 between India and China.

"We have noticed relevant reports and commentaries," Hong said at a regular news briefing here Wednesday.

As the most populous developing countries and emerging economies, China and India face important opportunities for development, Hong pointed out.

"China and India are partners, rather than rivals. We have far more common ground than disagreements, more mutual interests than conflicts," he said.

As the leaders of the two countries have repeatedly pointed out, the world has enough space to accommodate China and India for common development and there are enough areas for the two countries to have co-operation, Hong said.

"China is willing to work with India to look forward, enhance trust, communication and co-operation to deepen the China-India strategic partnership and benefit the two countries and its people," Hong said.

China and India fought over the border in 1962 and hostility affected bilateral relations until the end of the 20th Century.

India paid homage to soldiers who lost their lives in the war over the weekend and Defence Minister A.K. Antony said that there would not be a repeat of the 1962 India-China war. -- NNN-XINHUA