India, China are like brothers: Chinese Consul General

Mumbai: India and China are not just neighbours, but are also brothers, China's new Consul General in the city Wang Donghna said on Tuesday.

Speaking to Maharashtra Governor S C Jamir, whom he called on at the Raj Bhawan, Wang said that both India and China are emerging global superpowers.

"Therefore, peace and development in the region would benefit them both as well as the whole world," he observed.

Wang pointed out that both countries have a lot more common interests than differences, and urged that all existing disputes between them, including the border issue, be resolved through peaceful negotiations.

Wang's remarks came on the day India denied a media report about two Indian troopers recently getting injured in firing by Chinese troops in Sikkim.

"A media report about two ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) jawans having been injured due to firing from across the LAC (Line of Actual Control) has come to notice. The report is factually incorrect," said External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson, Vishnu Prakash.

The report had claimed that the firing occurred a fortnight ago in an area identified as Kerang in northern Sikkim. The report quoted a top intelligence source as saying that it was kept secret due to the sensitivity of the incident.

Recent reported incursions by Chinese troops into Indian territory have created anxiety in some quarters in India about China's aggressive designs.

The Indian Government has, however, sought to play down the incursions, saying these are routine incidents that occur due to differences in perception about the Line of Actual Control.

Welcoming the diplomat, Governor Jamir said that the future destiny of the world depends to a large extent on how China and India build up their cooperation.

Jamir urged that minor incidents and setbacks should not be allowed to disturb peace and good relations between the two nations.

"Both countries have inner strengths that enabled them withstand the economic recession. I hope they will join hands to give the world a better civilisation," Jamir said.