China and India have agreed to establish a strategic and
cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity, according to a
joint statement signed by visiting Chinese Premier Wen
Jiabao and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi
Monday. The two sides agreed that China-India relations have now
acquired a "global and strategic
character."??
Premier Wen is paying an official visit to India from April 9 to
12 at Prime Minister Singh's invitation, the last leg of his
four-nation South Asia tour that has also taken him to Pakistan,
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The following is the full text of the Joint Statement of the
People's Republic of China and the Republic of India:
?? Joint Statement of the
People's Republic of China and the Republic of
India
I. Wen Jiabao, premier of the State Council of the People's
Republic of China, is currently paying a state visit to the
Republic of India from April 9 to 12, 2005, at the invitation of
Manmohan Singh, prime minister of the Republic of India. During the
visit, Premier Wen held talks with Prime Minister Singh, called on
President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Vice President Shri Bhairon Singh
Shekhawat and met with Chairperson of the United Progressive
Alliance Sonia Gandhi. External Affairs Minister Shri K. Natwar
Singh and leader of Opposition, Lok Sabha Shri L.K. Advani, will
call on him. Premier Wen paid a visit to Bangalore and will deliver
a speech at the Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi.
Leaders of the two countries had an in-depth exchange of views in a
sincere, friendly and constructive atmosphere and reached broad
consensus on bilateral relations and international and regional
issues of common concern.
II. The two sides reviewed the friendly contacts and progress in
their bilateral relations in recent years and agreed that
China-India relations have entered a new stage of comprehensive
development. Both sides noted with satisfaction that with the
frequent exchange of visits between leaders of the two countries,
the process of building trust and understanding has gained
momentum. Rapid growth of trade and economic cooperation has been
coupled with the expansion of exchanges and cooperation in other
fields. The two sides have made incremental progress in addressing
outstanding issues. The two sides have also maintained good
communication and collaboration in international and regional
affairs. Both sides agreed that China and India have made
satisfying progress in developing their long-term constructive and
cooperative partnership. The two sides recalled the Declaration on
Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation signed by
Premier Wen and former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee
on June 23, 2003 and reiterated that the declaration provided a
shared vision of bilateral relations and an agreed framework for
cooperation.
III. In the light of the development of their bilateral
relations, in order to promote good neighborliness, friendship and
mutually beneficial cooperation and taking into account the
profound changes in the regional and international situation, the
two sides agreed that China-India relations have now acquired a
global and strategic character. The leaders of the two countries
have, therefore, agreed to establish a China-India strategic and
cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity. Such a
partnership is based on the principles of Panchsheel (or the Five
Principles of Peaceful Coexistence), mutual respect and sensitivity
for each other's concerns and aspirations, and equality; provides a
sound framework for an all-around and comprehensive development of
bilateral relations based on mutual and equal security, development
and prosperity of the two peoples; and contributes to jointly
addressing global challenges and threats. It reflects the readiness
of the two sides to resolve outstanding differences in a proactive
manner without letting them come in the way of the continued
development of bilateral relations.
IV. The two sides agreed that high-level exchanges between the
governments, parliaments and political parties of the two countries
play an important role in expanding overall bilateral cooperation.
They conveyed their determination to maintain and strengthen the
momentum of such exchanges in the future and agreed to hold regular
meetings between the leaders of the two countries. In this context,
the two sides also reiterated their intention to promote regular
ministerial-level exchanges and make full use of the China-India
strategic dialogue and other bilateral dialogue mechanisms.
V. The year of 2005 marks the 55th anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. To
mark the occasion, the two countries will organize a series of
commemorative activities. It was noted that the "Cultural Festival
of China" was currently underway in India and that a corresponding
"Cultural Festival of India" would be organized in China later in
the year. The two sides will also organize other cultural
activities to further promote mutual awareness and deepen the
friendship between the two peoples. The two sides declared 2006 as
the "Year of China-India Friendship." Both sides expressed
satisfaction with strengthened exchanges in the area of culture,
and affirmed that mutual understanding and cultural exchanges would
facilitate development of cooperation in other areas as well. In
order to reinforce traditional cultural links, an agreement was
concluded for the construction of an Indian-style Buddhist temple
in Luoyang in Henan Province of China.
VI. The two sides stressed that an all-round expansion of
China-India economic cooperation, including trade and investment,
constitutes an important dimension of a stronger China-India
relationship. The two countries agreed to make joint efforts to
increase the bilateral trade volume to US$20 billion or higher by
2008. The two sides welcomed the report of the Joint Study Group
(JSG) that was set up to examine the potential complementarities
between the two countries in expanded trade and economic
cooperation. The JSG in its report has identified a series of
measures related to trade in goods and services, investments and
other areas of economic cooperation, and recommended their
expeditious implementation to remove impediments and facilitate
enhanced economic engagement between China and India. The two sides
tasked the Ministerial-level China-India Joint Economic Group (JEG)
to consider these recommendations and coordinate their
implementation. For this purpose, the two sides will make their
best endeavor to hold the next meeting of JEG within the next six
months. The JSG has also recommended a China-India Regional Trading
Arrangement, comprising of trade in goods and services,
investments, identified understandings for trade and investment
promotion and facilitation, and measures for promotion of economic
cooperation in identified sectors. The two sides agreed to appoint
a joint task force to study in detail the feasibility of, and the
benefits that may derive from, the China-India Regional Trading
Arrangement and give recommendations regarding its content. Both
sides noted that the Agreement on the Establishment of a Financial
Dialogue Mechanism would further facilitate the dynamic and
diversifying economic cooperation between the two countries. They
will continue consultations on concluding the Bilateral Investment
Promotion and Protection Agreement. The two sides noted with
satisfaction that they have signed the SPS Protocols for the export
of grapes and bitter gourd from India to China. The two sides also
agreed to constitute a joint working group to implement
expeditiously the MOU on Application of SPS between the Chinese
General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and
Quarantine and the Indian Ministry of Agriculture. China positively
evaluates market access for Indian rice to the Chinese market and
will launch as early as possible the risk analysis procedure of the
Indian rice in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and
regulations.
VII. The two sides agreed to further promote the cooperation in
education, science and technology, healthcare, information,
tourism, youth exchange, agriculture, dairy development, sports and
other fields on the basis of mutual benefit and reciprocity. The
two sides decided to establish a China-India Steering Committee on
Scientific and Technological Cooperation chaired by their ministers
for science and technology, and start consultations on an agreement
on mutual recognition of academic certificates and degrees between
China and India. The two sides announced the launching of regular
youth exchange activities. This year China will invite 100 Indian
youth to China and hold an exhibition on advanced and applicable
technologies in India.
VIII. The two sides recognized the importance of strengthening
mutual connectivity and agreed to jointly work toward further
enhancement of direct air and shipping links, tourism and
people-to-people contacts. It was noted with satisfaction that an
MOU on major liberalization of civil aviation links between China
and India was concluded during the visit.
IX. The two sides will continue to cooperate in exchanging
flood-season hydrological data of the trans-border rivers as agreed
between them. In response to concerns expressed by the Indian side,
the Chinese side agreed to take measures for controlled release of
accumulated water of the landslide dam on the Parechu River, as
soon as conditions permit. It was noted with satisfaction that an
agreement concerning the provision of hydrological data on Langqen
Zangbo/Sutlej was concluded during the visit and that the two sides
had also agreed to continue bilateral discussions to finalize at an
early date similar arrangements for the Parlung Zangbo and Zayu
Qu/Lohit rivers. The two sides agreed to cooperate in the field of
energy security and conservation, including, among others,
encouraging relevant departments and units of the two countries to
engage in the survey and exploration of petroleum and natural gas
resources in a third country.
X. The two sides noted the useful exchanges and interaction in
the military field and decided to further promote such exchanges
and interaction. They agreed that broadening and deepening defense
exchanges between the two countries were of vital importance in
enhancing mutual trust and understanding between the two armed
forces, and in ensuring a peaceful environment in which they could
pursue their respective national development objectives. The two
sides decided to further strengthen effective contacts and
exchanges in this field.?
XI. During the visit, the two sides exchanged views on the
China-India boundary question and reiterated their readiness to
seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution, through
equal and friendly consultations and proceeding from the overall
interests of bilateral relations. They expressed satisfaction over
the progress made in the discussions between the special
representatives of the two countries and welcomed the conclusion of
the Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles
for the Settlement of the Boundary Question. Both sides are
convinced that an early settlement of the boundary question will
advance the basic interests of the two countries and should
therefore be pursued as a strategic objective. They expressed their
commitment to the mechanism of special representatives for seeking
a political settlement of the boundary question in the context of
their long-term interests and the overall bilateral relationship.
Pending a final resolution, the two sides will continue to make
joint efforts to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas
in accordance with the agreements of 1993 and 1996. Both sides
agreed that while continuing the discussions between the special
representatives, it is also important that the joint working group
continues its work to seek an early clarification and confirmation
of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Progress made so far on the
clarification of the LAC in the China-India border areas was noted.
It was agreed to complete the process of exchanging maps indicating
their respective perceptions of the entire alignment of the LAC on
the basis of already agreed parameters, with the objective of
arriving at a common understanding of the alignment as soon as
possible. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the progress
achieved in the implementation of the agreements of 1993 and 1996
and agreed to fully implement them expeditiously. Toward that end,
they concluded a Protocol on Modalities for the Implementation of
Confidence Building Measures in the Military Field Along the Line
of Actual Control in the China-India Border Areas.
XII. The Indian side reiterated that it recognized the Tibet
Autonomous Region as part of the territory of the People's Republic
of China and that it did not allow Tibetans to engage in anti-China
political activities in India. The Indian side recalled that India
was among the first countries to recognize that there is only one
China and its one-China policy remains unaltered. The Indian side
stated it would continue to abide by its one-China policy. The
Chinese side expressed its appreciation for the Indian
positions.
XIII. Both sides reviewed with satisfaction the implementation
of the memorandum on the border trade through the Nathula Pass
between the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of
China and the Sikkim State of the Republic of India.
XIV. The two sides noted with satisfaction that through friendly
consultations an agreement in principle had been reached between
the two countries to solve the long-pending issue of property
originally belonging to Indian Consulate-General in Shanghai with
the Chinese side agreeing to provide a plot of land in lieu of the
premises of the original Consulate-General of India.
XV. As two large developing countries, both China and India are
aware of each other's important role in the process of promoting
the establishment of a new international political and economic
order. Both sides share common interests in the maintenance of
peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the world at large, and
share the desire to develop closer and more extensive understanding
and cooperation in regional and international affairs.
??
The two sides are supportive of democratization of international
relations and multilateralism, stand for the establishment of a new
international political and economic order that is fair, rational,
equal and mutually beneficial, and promote North-South Dialogue and
South-South Cooperation. The two sides believe that the
international community should eliminate poverty, narrow the gap
between North and South, and achieve common prosperity through
dialogue and cooperation.
XVI. The two sides reiterated the importance of the United
Nations in global peace, stability and common development and
expressed their determination to continue their efforts, together
with the international community, in strengthening the UN system to
develop a sound multilateral basis to address global issues. Both
China and India agree that the reform of the United Nations should
be comprehensive and multi-faceted and should put emphasis on an
increase in the representation of developing countries. The Indian
side reiterated its aspirations for permanent membership of the UN
Security Council. The Chinese side also reiterated that India is an
important developing country and is having an increasingly
important influence in the international arena. China attaches
great importance to the status of India in international affairs.
It understands and supports India's aspirations to play an active
role in the UN and international affairs. The two sides reaffirmed
their readiness to conduct close consultations and cooperation in
the process of the UN reforms.
XVII. The two sides, aware of the threats posed by terrorism to
the peace and security of the two countries and the whole world,
resolutely condemn terrorism in any form. The struggle between the
international community and global terrorism is a comprehensive and
sustained one, with the ultimate objective of eradication of
terrorism in all regions. This requires strengthening the global
legal framework against terrorism. Both sides noted the positive
outcome of the meetings of their bilateral dialogue mechanism on
counter-terrorism held so far and agreed to further strengthen and
consolidate their discussions and cooperation. It was agreed to
hold the next meeting of the dialogue mechanism on
counter-terrorism later this year.
XVIII. Both sides agreed to conduct regular exchange of views on
major international and regional issues, strengthen cooperation in
the WTO and other international multilateral organizations, and
continue the consultations on other issues of common concern. They
agreed to work together to preserve stability and growth in the
global economy and reduce disparities between developed and
developing countries. They supported an open, fair, equitable and
transparent rule-based multilateral trade system and resolved to
safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the developing
countries.
XIX. Aware of their linked destinies as neighbors and the two
largest countries of Asia, both sides agreed that they would
together contribute to the establishment of an atmosphere of mutual
understanding, trust and cooperation in Asia and the world at
large, and facilitate efforts to strengthen multilateral
coordination mechanisms on security and cooperation.
XX. During the visit, the two sides signed and/or released the
following documents:
i)???????????????????
Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the
Settlement of the China-India Boundary Question
ii)??????????????????
Report of China-India Joint Study Group on Comprehensive Trade and
Economic Cooperation
iii)????????????????
Protocol on Modalities for the Implementation of CBMs in the
Military Field Along the Line of Actual Control in the China-India
Border Areas
iv)????????????????
Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance and Cooperation in
Customs Matters
v)?????????????????
MOU on the Launch of the China-India Financial Dialogue
vi)????????????????
MOU on Civil Aviation
vii)??????????????
Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirement for Exporting Grapes from
India to China
viii)?????????????
Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirement for Exporting Bitter Gourds
from India to China
ix)????????????????
MOU on provision of Hydrological Information of the Langqen
Zangbo/Sutlej River in Flood Season by China to India
x)?????????????????
Protocol on China-India Film Cooperation Commission
xi)????????????????
MOU on Cooperation Between the Chinese People's Institute of
Foreign Affairs and the Indian Council of World Affairs
xii)??????????????
Memorandum on the Construction of an Indian-style Buddhist Temple
on the Western Side of the White Horse Temple in Luoyang, China
XXI. The two sides believed that Premier Wen's highly successful
state visit to the Republic of India marked a new level of
China-India relationship and opened a new chapter in the friendly
relations and cooperation between the two countries.
Premier Wen, on behalf of the Chinese government and people,
expressed his appreciation to the government and people of India
for their warm hospitality, and invited Prime Minister Singh to
visit China at a mutually convenient time. Prime Minister Singh
appreciated the invitation and accepted it with pleasure. The
Indian side also reiterated the invitation to President Hu Jintao
to visit India. The exact time of the visit will be decided through
diplomatic channels.
Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China
Wen Jiabao
Prime Minister of the Republic of India Manmohan Singh
New Delhi, April 11, 2005
(Xinhua News Agency April 12, 2005)