It is the sincere wish and set policy of the Chinese government to continuously develop Sino-Indian relations on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

This was reiterated by Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan in Beijing Friday during his meeting with Anil. K. Joseph, chief of the Beijing bureau of the Press Trust of India.

When asked to comment on the remarks made by the newly-elected Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on June 24, in which he voiced his intention to enhance India-China ties, Tang said the Chinese government appreciates the positive gesture of India's new government on India-China relations.

Tang said China and India should make joint efforts to maintain and develop the sound momentum of bilateral relations, expand and deepen bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields, step up coordination in international affairs, and promote the continuous growth of Sino-Indian prolonged, constructive cooperative partnership.

(Xinhua News Agency June 26, 2004)