Chinese envoy for “sound growth” of Sino-India ties

China said Sino-India ties has gone beyond bilateral scope and assumed increasing global strategic significance, as it stressed on the two neighbours setting the relationship on a “steady course of sound growth”.

Holding that “tangible progress” was made in bilateral ties this year, Chinese Ambassador Le Yucheng said, “how both sides engage with each other not only matters to the two nations, but will also shape the future of Asia and beyond.”

Mr. Le said China was promoting a “community of common destiny” to enable its neighbors, among others, to share in the country’s development through the land and maritime Silk road and many such initiatives, while noting that there was “unbound potential” in Sino-India ties.

“What’s especially encouraging is our people’s growing passion in each other and the all-round dynamism in our two societies to engage with each other. This is crucial because, as China-India relations gather steam they would go beyond the bilateral scope with increasing global strategic significance,” he said.

“Now it is incumbent upon us to set our relationship on a steady course of sound growth, because how we engage with one another not only matters to our two countries and peoples, but will also shape the future of Asia and beyond,” he said, addressing the Chinese National Day reception.

On progress in bilateral ties, the envoy referred to a few landmark events including the visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to China and the “evident chemistry between the leaders”. He also spoke about opening of Nathula Pass for Kailash Manasarovar pilgrims and e-visa for Chinese tourists.

“Many such breakthrough developments attest to a turning point in our relations,” he said.

Talking about China’s economy, Mr. Le said despite moderation in speed, the Chinese economy continues to run within the proper range and is moving in a positive direction. He said it was still on a sound footing and expanded by 7 per cent in the first half of the year.

He said urban unemployment rate was around 5.1 per cent, while growth of high-tech industries are over 10 per cent. The envoy said the service sector accounts for almost half of GDP, and consumption contributes 60 per cent to growth.

“These figures show that the Chinese economy is still on a sound footing. And the goal of comfortable and decent life for every Chinese is within sight,” he said.