China welcomes Modi-Imran exchanges

BEIJING: China welcomed on Friday the exchange of greetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, while suggesting that the two countries could try to meet each other halfway to resolve issues.
“We welcome that,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said about the exchange of greetings on Thursday. “The two sides can continue to show goodwill, meet each other halfway and resolve differences through dialogue, improve their relations, and jointly uphold regional peace and stability,” he said.
A Chinese analyst who requested anonymity said there is more to the ministry’s statement than what is evident on the surface.
“China wants to avoid a situation where it is forced to choose between the two countries,” the analyst said adding, “China has committed itself in a political and economic manner. But it is eager to explore the Indian market at a time when Chinese companies find their markets in the US and other countries coming under pressure.”
Pakistan PM Imran Khan had congratulated Modi on Thursday on his electoral triumph and had expressed his desire to work with him for peace and prosperity in the region. Modi had responded by saying, “I warmly express my gratitude for your good wishes. I have always given primacy to peace and development in our region.”
Lu mentioned the informal meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping last year in the Chinese city of Wuhan. “China and India are important neighbours to each other. We are major developing countries and emerging markets. Last year, the Wuhan Summit between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi directed the future for our bilateral relations and opening up new prospects,” Lu said.
“Now, one year later, progress has been made in our bilateral relations and cooperation. China attaches high importance to our bilateral relations and (would) like to work with India to deepen our political mutual trust and mutual beneficial cooperation for more progress and closer partnership (sic),” he said.