China's defense minister meets Indian PM Modi

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Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in New Delhi. The two praised the bilateral ties describing them a long-standing friendship dating back to ancient times.

Wei said Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have made a huge contribution to promoting bilateral military ties, and that friendly co-existence and cooperation have become a mainstream.

Wei told Modi that China and India have a long-standing friendship, and he hopes his visit could further enhance bilateral military exchanges and cooperation, as well as strengthen mutual trust, so as to maintain regional peace and stability.

Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in New Delhi. /Chinese Defense Ministry Photo

Last summer, the two countries were locked in a 73-day standoff at Donglang – which India calls Doklam – on the border.

China urges India to learn lessons from border standoff

A sketch map of the site of the Indian troops' trespass. /Chinese Foreign Ministry Photo

The relationship thawed when Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited the border and greeted Chinese soldiers.

In April, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted an informal summit with Prime Minister Modi in Wuhan. The two leaders agreed to open a new chapter in ties.

For his part, Modi echoed Wei, saying the two countries, which share a friendship dating back to ancient times with broad common interests, should join hands and support each other in striving for win-win cooperation and mutual benefit.

He also called on the two countries to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between their militaries so as to jointly safeguard border stability.

The Chinese defense chief is currently on a four-day visit to India. He will also hold talks with Sitharaman to further discuss the border issue.