China and India are close neighbours linked by mountains and rivers and the Chinese and Indian peoples have enjoyed friendly exchanges for thousands of years.

We have reiterated on many occasions that China wishes to establish and develop long-term, good-neighbourly and friendly relations with all countries in south Asia.

I am firmly convinced that, in future years, China and India will join hands in playing a more active role in maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world at large and make due contribution to the cause of human progress and development.

In the spring and summer of 1989, a serious political disturbance took place in China,

History is made by the people, ... In assessing whether [a politician] has really achieved something big, the last word belongs to posterity.

Development and prosperity of the world cannot happen without the simultaneous development of India and China.