Chinese envoy for "sound growth" of Sino-India ties

New Delhi: China has said Sino-India ties have gone beyond bilateral scope and assumed increasing global strategic significance as it stressed on the two neighbours setting the relationship on a "steady course of sound growth".

Holding that "tangible progress" has been made in bilateral ties this year, Chinese Ambassador Le Yucheng said how both sides engage with each other not only matters to the two nations but will also shape the future of Asia and beyond.

Le said China was promoting a "community of common destiny" to enable its neighbours, among others, to share in the country's development through the land and maritime Silk road and many such initiatives, while noting that there was "unbounded potential" in Sino-India ties.

"What's especially encouraging is our people's growing passion in each other and the all-round dynamism in our two societies to engage with each other. This is crucial because as China-India relations gather steam they have gone beyond the bilateral scope with increasing global strategic significance.

"Now it is incumbent upon us to set our relationship on a steady course of sound growth, because how we engage with one another not only matters to our two countries and peoples, but will also shape the future of Asia and beyond," he said, addressing the Chinese National Day reception.

On progress in bilateral ties, the envoy referred to a few "landmark events" including the visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to China and the "evident chemistry between our leaders". He also spoke about opening of Nathula Pass for Kailash Manasarovar pilgrims and e-visa for Chinese tourists.

"Many are breakthrough developments that attest to a turning point in our relations," he said.

Talking about China's economy, Le said despite moderation in speed, the Chinese economy continues to run within the proper range and is moving in a positive direction. Le said it was still on a sound footing and expanded by 7 percent in the first half of the year.

He said urban unemployment rate was around 5.1 percent, while growth of high-tech industries over 10 per cent. The envoy said the service sector accounts for almost half of GDP, and consumption contributes 60 percent to growth.

"These figures show that the Chinese economy is still on a sound footing. And the goal of comfortable and decent life for every Chinese is within sight," he said.