In 21st century, it will be Asia's responsibility to deliver freedom from war: PM Modi to Chinese media

Beijing: Ahead of his visit to China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he had a wonderful interaction with the Chinese media during which he highlighted the immense scope for further growth in India-China ties. “I had a wonderful interaction with the Chinese media. Several issues were discussed during the interaction,” he said in a tweet posted on his Chinese microblog account Weibo. “I highlighted the immense scope for further growth in India-China ties. We should pool our strengths to help the developing nations to move ahead and eradicate poverty,” he said. [caption id=“attachment_2241424” align=“alignleft” width=“300”] Prime Minister Narendra Modi. AP[/caption] His interview is expected to be carried by the official media ahead of his arrival in the country. “It is acknowledged that the 21st century will be Asia’s century. Asia is the land of Bhuddha. It is therefore, Asia’s responsibility to ensure that this century is the one which delivers freedom from war,” he said. “I was delighted to receive President Xi Jinping in Ahmedabad last year and I am honoured that he is coming to Xi’an to receive me personally,” he said. Modi is scheduled to arrive in Xian on May 14 on a three-day visit to China. Besides meeting Xi in Xian, he would travel to Beijing to meet Premier Li Keqiang and then visit Shanghai on May 16 where he would address a business get-together and interact with the Indian community. PTI