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Narendra Modi in China LIVE updates: During the informal summit, Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping committed to cooperate further in area of counter-terrorism, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. ANI and CNN-News18 quoted sources as saying that India and China are likely to venture into a joint economic project in Afghanistan. During a press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said the two leaders discussed overarching issues and bilateral relations. “The two leaders agreed that India and China are major powers and will pursue peaceful, balanced relations which will be important among current global uncertainty,” he said. On the Doka La and boundary issue between India and China, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed that they were happy with the approach taken by their representatives. “They find it to be a fair and reasonable approach. They agreed it is important to maintain peace alongside borders and decided to issue strategic guidelines to their military to this effect,” Gokahale said at a media briefing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping took a boat ride, aboard a special double-decker boat, on Saturday. It is expected to be an hour-long ride. Following that, Modi is set to have a one-on-one lunch with Jinping before returning to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping began the second day of their informal summit in Wuhan with a walk around the famous East Lake. The two leaders held multiple meetings in Wuhan on Friday — the first day of an unprecedented two-day informal summit — to “solidify” the India-China relationship and exchanged views on how the two countries can work together for the benefit of their people and the world. The ‘heart-to-heart’ summit in Wuhan - the favourite holiday spot of revolutionary Chinese leader Mao Zedong - is being seen as an effort by India and China to rebuild trust and improve ties that were hit by the 73-day-long Doka La standoff last year. [caption id=“attachment_4448861” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping begin Day 2 of Wuhan summit with a walk alongside the East Lake. Twitter @MEAIndia[/caption] Modi who arrived in the central Chinese city early on Friday for the summit began talks soon after Xi received him with a warm shake hand and hosted a grand welcoming ceremony for him at the Hubei Provincial Museum here. He was welcomed with a classical Chinese dance opera performance after which Xi took him around some of the most historic art collections and cultural relics of China’s ancient civilisation. The museum walk scheduled for 20 minutes lasted over 40 minutes after which they began one-on-one talks. “They exchanged views on solidifying our bilateral relationship,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. Their one-on-one talks were followed by delegation-level interaction with six top officials each from both sides took part, giving an impression that some of the critical issues were on the table for discussion. The talks lasted for over two hours overshooting scheduled half an hour time, hinting the seriousness of the discussions, officials said. The elaborate round of talks between the two leaders on the first day ended with dinner diplomacy. Xi hosted a banquet in honour of Modi at the famous East lake. Xi in a gesture of warmth and friendship walked with Modi to the car to see him off. The summit was stated to be unique as the two leaders have no pressure and obligation to strike any agreements nor make big announcements but focus mainly on candid discussions on solutions to some of the vexed problems like the boundary question and other issues. During the talks, Modi offered to host the next informal summit with Xi in India in 2019. “I’ll be happy, if in 2019, we can have such informal summit in India,” Modi told Xi. The Chinese president said he believes in future and they can meet in a format like this from time to time. Modi hailed the centuries old Sino-India ties and said India and China have the responsibility to work for 40 percent of the world population and the two sides have a big opportunity to work together for the benefit of their people and the world. He recalled that during the 2000 years of history, India and China together provided momentum and strength to the world economy and dominated it for around 1600 years. “The two countries together constituted for about 50 per cent of the world economy and another 50 percent was shared by rest of the world for 1600 years,” the prime minister said. Modi also said the people of India felt proud that Xi has twice received him out of the capital. Xi told Modi that their meeting opens a new chapter for bilateral ties. He emphasised the two sides should look at the big picture of China-India relationship from a strategic angle and ensure their relationship continue to move forward in a positive direction. “The friendship between the two countries should continue to grow like the Yangtze and Ganges flowing forward forever,” China’s state-run CCTV quoted Xi as saying. “We see a fast pace and bright future for China-India cooperation,” Xi told Modi, who is in China on his fourth visit after he came to power in 2014. “China and India need to maintain a strong focus on national development, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, work together for our respective national revitalisation to build the stability, development, prosperity and make positive contributions for global peace and development,” Xi said, adding that in the past five years China-India relations have maintained a good momentum. “India and China have a combined population of 2.6 billion which provides enormous potential for development. Our two countries’ influence in the world and region is steadily on the rise, looking ahead we see a fast pace and bright future for China-India cooperation,” Xi told Modi. “As we meet, the international security is at a crucial period of adjustment. China and India are both important engines for global growth and we are central pillars for promoting a multi-polar and globalised world. A good China-India relationship is an important and positive factor for maintaining peace and stability in the world,” he added. Xi’s comments assume significance as it came at a time when the US and other major economies have taken a number of protectionist measures. The Trump administration has recently announced hefty import tariffs on aluminium and steel besides about $ 50 billion worth of Chinese imports across 1,300 categories of products to counter China’s trade practices. India maintains that protectionism in all its forms should be rejected and favours an economic globalisation which is more open, inclusive and equitable. On Saturday, the two leaders will resume their one-on-one talks. They will begin their day with a walk around the East Lake for half an hour and then go for an hour ride in a double decker boat and end their first-ever informal summit with a one-on-one lunch after which Modi would return home.
Narendra Modi in China updates: PM, Xi Jinping commit to cooperate further in area of counter-terrorism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping have begun the second day of their informal summit in Wuhan.
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WATCH: Narendra Modi leaves for New Delhi as Wuhan summit concludes
Prime Minister @NarendraModi leaves for Delhi from Wuhan after completing a two-day visit to #China pic.twitter.com/kFpULM0QBQ
— Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) April 28, 2018
Private menu card for Modi-Jinping lunch at Wuhan
Sources told ANI that the menu card designed for the private lunch hosted for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Wuhan has colours of the Indian flag, along with the picture of national bird peacock.
‘Reason to believe Wuhan meeting will help manage and control disputes’
The overseas edition of the ruling Communist Party’s official People’s Daily said in a front page commentary on Saturday “two great countries ought to have great cooperation”, and showed a large picture of the two leaders shaking hands.
“There is reason to believe that this Wuhan meeting will increase mutual trust, manage and control disputes, deepen cooperation and lead to a new phase in China-India relations,” it said. – Reuters
Both countries should expand communication, says Xi Jinping
“Both China and India have a glorious history and culture, and the cultures of both countries have lots of connections and the two countries should expand communication and be dedicated to the revitalisation of Oriental civilisation,” President Xi Jinping was quoted as saying by People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, as per a NDTV report.
Trade, technology, films, terrorism discussed in Modi-Jinping talks
“Co-operation on trade and technology and films, focus on people-to-people contact, discussed trade, tourism and climate change. Prime Minister Modi and President Xi also recognised the common threat posed by terrorism both reiterated their strong condemnation of a resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Both committed to cooperate further in counter-terrorism”, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said.
Chinese media splashes Wuhan summit on its front pages
India, China to soon iron out details of joint economic project in Afghanistan
In a move that could upset Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping have agreed to undertake a joint India-China economic project in Afghanistan at their first informal summit in Wuhan, official sources said. As per the understanding, officials of both sides will identify the project in following up discussions and work out modalities.
Visuals from Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping’s boat ride in Wuhan
Discussed ways to give impetus to economic ties, people-to-people relations, says Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared on Twitter the details of his Saturday talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping.“The talks with Jinping focussed on diverse areas of India-China cooperation. We discussed ways to give impetus to our economic ties as well as people-to-people relations. Other areas we spoke about include agriculture, technology, energy and tourism,” he said in a tweet.
Discussed multiple aspects of bilateral ties between India-China, says Narendra Modi
Sharing visuals from his walk by the East Lake with Chinese president Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the two discussed multiple aspects of bilateral ties between India and China after they resumed their talks on Saturday.
Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping discuss cultural promotion
“Proposals forwarded by the prime minister included moving ahead to find ways to collaborate in terms of entertainment including films. President Xi said he has seen a number of Indian and it would be a good idea to expand this. More Indian films should come to China and vice-versa,” Gokhale said.
Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping agree to strengthen strategic commmunication
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed to strengthen greater strategic communication between the two sides,” said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.
WATCH: Modi, Xi Jinping agree to undertake joint economic project in Afghanistan
Modi, Xi to issue strategic guidance to their militaries
“The two leaders will issue strategic guidance to their militaries to strengthen communications and to build trust and understanding,” said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.
India, China to participate in joint economic project in Afghanistan
ANI and CNN-News18 quoted sources as saying that India and China are likely to venture into a joint economic project in Afghanistan.
Both leaders discuss bilateral relations, boundary issue, trade, tourism
During a press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said the two leaders discussed overarching issues and bilateral relations. “The two leaders agreed that India and China are major powers and will pursue peaceful, balanced relations which will be important among current global uncertainty,” he said.
Speaking on trade, Gokhale said, “The leaders agreed trade should be balanced and sustainable. The prime minister spoke of agricultural exports to China.”
‘Modi, Xi recognise common threat of terrorism’
Addresing a press briefing in Wuhan on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said that Prime Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping expressed their strong opposition to terrorism. “The prime minister and President Xi also recognised the common threat posed by terrorism. Both reiterated their strong condemnation of a resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Both committed to cooperate further in counter-terrorism,” he said.
‘Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping held four one-to-one meetings’
“There were six events, of which four of them were one-to-one meeting, with a restricted meeting on Friday. No agreeements were signed,” said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.
India, China agree informal summit can lead to more candid communication
Both India and China agreed that informal Wuhan summit will lead to a more candid and free communication between the two nations. “We need to strengthen strategic communication and mutual understanding. We commit to create an open, multipolar and pluralistic society,” said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.
Modi, Xi endorse work of special representatives to resolve boundary issue
On the issue of India-China boundary question, the two leaders, Narendra Modi & Xi Jinping, endorsed work of the special representative to find a fair and mutual settlement, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.
Modi, Jinping concur it is important to maintain peace alongside borders
On the Doka La and boundary issue between India and China, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed that they were happy with the approach taken by their representatives. “They find it to be a fair and reasonable approach. They agreed it is important to maintain peace alongside borders and decided to issue strategic guidelines to their military to this effect,” Gokahale said at a media briefing.
Modi to visit China again in June
The first informal summit in Wuhan between Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping is set to conclude on Saturday with a one-on-one lunch with the Chinese president. This marks the fourth visit of Modi to China after he came to power in 2014. He is due to visit the country again to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held at Qingdao city on 9-10 June.
WATCH: Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping during boat ride on East Lake
China: Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Chinese President Xi Jinping inside a house boat in Wuhan’s East Lake. pic.twitter.com/2VrpcPXz30
— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2018
Does hosting informal summit in Wuhan hold any political significance?
Wuhan, located on the banks of Central China’s Hubei province, is a commercial centre divided by the Yangtze and Han rivers. It is the most populous city in central China.
Besides containing many lakes and parks, including expansive, picturesque East Lake, the city also has the famous villa of China’s ruling Communist Party founder Mao Zedong, where he hosted many foreign leaders.
However, the Chinese foreign ministry earlier dismissed claims there was any political significance in choosing it as a location for the meeting. While there are a wide range of cities “we can choose from, we don’t have any particular consideration for choosing Wuhan” as the venue for the meeting, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang had earlier said. – PTI
RECAP: Will be happy to host summit next year, says Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday told President Xi jinping that he will be happy to host the next informal summit in India next year.
WATCH: Modi, Jinping have tea near East Lake
Chinese president Xi Jinping hosted a tea ceremony for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday near the East Lake, before their boat ride on the lake.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping enjoy ‘chai pe charcha’ on day 2 of their informal Wuhan summit. #ModiXiSummit @Zakka_Jacob with more. pic.twitter.com/Bg0wV04rg1
— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 28, 2018
Visuals from Modi, Jinping’s walk around East Lake in Wuhan
Modi to return to India after lunch with Xi Jinping
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to have a one-on-one lunch with Chinese president Xi Jinping, after which he will return to India.
WATCH: Narendra Modi treated to rendition of Hindi song ‘Tu Tu Hai Wohi’
During a guided tour of the Hubei Provincial Museum on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was treated to a rendition of the 1982 song ‘Tu Tu Hai Wohi’ from the movie Yeh Vaada Raha.
Vijay Gokhale to brief media at 10 am
According to News18, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale will brief the media at 10 am about Modi’s visit to Wuhan to “solidify” bilateral relations between India and China. The two leaders are set to conclude the two-day informal Wuhan summit today, seen as an effort to rejuvenate ties that were marred by the 72-day long Doka La standoff last year.
WATCH: Modi, Jinping go on a boat ride
After taking a walk near the East Lake, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping are taking a boat ride. It is expected to be an hour-long ride aboard the double-decker boat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes a boat ride at the East Lake in Wuhan with Chinese President Xi Jinping
Follow the blog for #LIVE updates #ModiXiSummit https://t.co/rwIsHlDgNE pic.twitter.com/sPMeMw4GnQ— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 28, 2018
Narendra Modi begins Day 2 of the informal summit in China
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun Day 2 of his informal Wuhan summit with Chinese president Xi Jinping with a walk around the famous East Lake.
Watch: Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping begin 2nd day ‘heart-to-heart’ summit in Wuhan
People of India are proud that Chinese President Xi has gone out of his way to receive him twice, tweets MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar
Willing to use consensus of leaders to increase mutual trust between nations: PLA
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping held an informal summit in Wuhan, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) struck a positive note about China-India ties, reports Economic Times .
“Although the relations between the two militaries still face some difficulties and obstacles, we are willing to use the important consensus of the leaders of the two countries as guidelines to deepen our understanding, increase mutual trust, make proper differences, and continuously accumulate the positive energy of the healthy and stable development of the relations between the two militaries,” PLA’s Senior Colonel Wu Qian said to the media.
“It is the common wish of both peoples to stabilize the relations between the Chinese and Indian armed forces and maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas,” Wu added.
Modi stresses on both nations’ past glory but that is a tricky terrain
In calling for joint global leadership, prime minister Modi stressed on the fact that both nations represent 40 percent of the global population. Improving their lot would automatically have a positive global effect. “We have the responsibility to work for 40 percent of the world population, this means trying to successfully get the world rid of many problems. To work together towards this is a big opportunity for us,” he said, according to reports.
Modi also pointed out that for 1,600 years, India and China had led global economy. He also stressed on other areas of convergence, such as the dovetailing of ‘New India’ and ‘New Era with Chinese characteristics". According to him, if both countries work towards this joint vision, then it would benefit the entire world and cement Sino-Indian global leadership status.
Using the past as a template to remodel the future is a recurrent theme for both Modi and Xi. Both leaders believe that it is incumbent upon them to restore their civilisational status as power centres. While this may present a tangible goal, such revisionism may bring its own set of problems. India would know better than most how such revisionism results in assertive behaviour and how it poses problems for the neighbours.
Not just China, we want to be friendly with every neighbouring country, says Rajnath Singh
“It is not just China, we want to be friendly with every neighbouring country. Our prime minister has been doing everything he can so that our relationship with neighbours becomes better,” Home Minister Rajnath Singh said to ANI
America’s protectionist policy is not a good news for India and China, nations need to prioritize development, says analyst
The rendezvous between Modi and Xi at the heart of China was a sign enough that the two countries were willing for a new start in their tense relationship.
“It is an important meeting between both the leaders. Development is the most important topic for the leaders of these two countries,” Long Xingchun, Director of the Centre for Indian Studies at China West Normal University, told IANS.
“India can achieve its goal and become a global power in the world with the help of China. China is rich and stronger than India but we also have so many domestic problems to deal with. “The two countries need to prioritize development. Now, America’s protectionist policy is not a good news for India and China,” Long said. —IANS