China and India are partners of mutually beneficial cooperation rather than mutual threat, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman on Tuesday.

Indian newspaper, the Hindustan Times, reported on March 26 that the Indian military had taken China as its imaginary enemy when holding military exercises.

The newspaper also understood war between China and India was likely within 10 years, and China would probably provoke the war.

"We feel surprised at the report," said spokesman Qin Gang at a regular news briefing.

"The state leaders of China and India had already reached consensus that the two countries will not pose a threat to each other," said Qin, adding they are partners of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Qin said China was willing to work with India to push forward the long-term, steady and sound development of bilateral ties.

Other press conference news:

China calls for active, explicit, direct French response to concerns

China denies rumor on 'cyber spy network'

(Xinhua News Agency April 1, 2009)