For George, it’s Hindi-Chini bhai bhai again

Fernandes, who is the first Indian Defence Minister to visit China in over a decade, had ‘‘fruitful’’ meetings with Chinese premier Wen Jiabao, Defence Minister General Cao Gangchuan and vice-chairman of Central Military Commission (CMC) General Guo Boxiong.

‘‘The talks were held in a cordial atmosphere and both sides expressed satisfaction over the fact that Sino-India boundary remained tranquil,’’ the official said, adding the two sides had decided to take more confidence-building measures to maintain peace and tranquillity along the LAC. The two sides also noted the progress made in delineating the LAC, he said.

Fernandes, who is here on a week-long visit to China, stressed that the two countries are ‘‘good’’ neighbours and as members of the international anti-terrorism alliance, they have cooperated well.

‘‘As the two countries confronted the same challenges in national security, the two militaries should further cooperation and exchanges,’’ he said.

Fernandes, who made a courtesy call on new Chinese premier Wen Jiabao, talked about the planned visit of PM A.B. Vajpayee to China later this year.

Welcoming Fernandes to China, Wen noted that China and India should do more to cement their ties. ‘‘Our two big countries should always be friendly with each other from generation to generation,’’ Wen said at the meeting.

He noted that China and India have enjoyed cooperation since second century BC and felt the countries needed to do more to strengthen ties.

‘‘So I think during the past 2200 years, or about 99.9 per cent of the time, we have devoted to friendly cooperation between our two countries,’’ Wen said. The remaining 0.1 per cent time which the Chinese premier did not refer to could be the 1962 India-China war as well as the disturbances after the 1998 nuclear tests by India for which India cited ‘‘China threat.’’

After the welcome, Fernandes held talks with his Chinese counterpart, General Cao Gangchuan. Cao said the armed forces of China and India have enhanced trust and also maintained stability in border areas, thanks to visits over the last few years.

Fernandes said India and China are ‘‘good’’ neighbours, as members of the international anti-terrorism alliance, the two nations have cooperated well. Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, said the two nations have developed a constructive friendship on the basis of the five principles of peaceful coexistence.

‘‘China is willing to work with India for regional peace and stability,’’ Cao said, adding the Chinese military is willing to further exchanges for a long-term relationship based on trust.