'China, India Must Build New Type of International Ties'

New Delhi: China and India should work together to build "new type of international relations", a Chinese expert said at a conference to look into the implication of the once-in-a-decade leadership change in Beijing.

"We are the two most populous countries and the two fastest growing economies...the rise of the two together will be (an) important phenomenon in global arena," said Huang Huaguang, director general, Research Office, International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Huang, one of the delegates from China at the conference on 'Implications of the Change in Leadership in PRC: Internal and External Dimensions', organised by the Observer Research Foundation, said: "We want to have better relations with India."

China, one of the world's strongest economies, earlier this month witnessed a leadership change that put Xi Jinping on top of the Chinese political hierarchy and the next president after Hu Jintao. His party colleague Li Keqiang will step into the shoes of Premier Wen Jiabao.

Huang suggested that the two countries should have "better strategic communication and coordination" and people to people exchanges should take place.

He said that in various fora, "we should work together to build a new type of international relations".

Huang pointed out that "complex changes" are taking place in the global arena. "The world is not as stable as we want...there are many issues."

He referred to the global financial crisis and also noted that in certain regions "we see hegemony and intervention in other countries".

"Generally speaking, we are optimistic of the growing forces of peace and stability. At the same time, we must not overlook the challenges...We don't see it (challenges) resolving under the existing order."

China, he stressed, wants to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner through dialogue.

Also addressing the conference was Li Junru, former vice president, Central Party School of the CPC, who said the rise of China would help build lasting peace.

He said the Chinese people dream of walking out of poverty and wanted a strong China. The Chinese people, he added, want "peaceful co-existence and not repeat the past of powerful countries invading other countries".

Li said the U.S. was the world's largest economy and China the second strongest. "One day, we will surpass them and the US is worried about this."

Both China and the U.S. should not "misjudge each other".

He said that America is also worried about China's military development. "Our military power is enough to defend our own territory and US need not worry," he said, stressing that Beijing was keen on long term stability.

Zhang Yansheng, secretary general, Academic Committee, National Development & Reform Commission, suggested inking of a free trade agreement between the two countries so as to allow market access.

He sought strengthening of the strategic economic dialogue.

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