China, India should focus on cooperation than disputes: spokesperson

Fu Ying (C, rear), spokesperson for the fifth session of China's 12th National People's Congress (NPC), speaks during a press conference on the session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2017. The fifth session of the 12th NPC is scheduled to open in Beijing on March 5. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

BEIJING, March 4 -- China and India as the world's two largest developing countries should focus on enhancing mutual understanding and boosting cooperation rather than dwelling on disputes, said a spokesperson for China's top legislature Saturday.

At a press conference a day before the National People's Congress (NPC) convenes its yearly meeting, spokesperson Fu Ying said China and India have over the past decades witnessed rapid development of bilateral trade, which surged from two billion U.S. dollars in the 1990s to last year's more than 70 billion dollars.

Air connectivity has improved remarkably, with 40 direct flights between the two countries every week, Fu said.

There have also been frequent exchanges of visits by leaders of the two countries, and the two militaries visit each other every year, the spokesperson said, adding China and India have also established a mechanism to jointly combat cross-border crimes and terrorism.

Fu said the two countries have a lot of consensus on regional and international issues. While some disputes remain, the issues have been discussed properly through diplomatic channels.

She said China and India both face different challenges in development. The two countries should understand each other more and not let disputes stand in the way of bilateral cooperation.