Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (L) shakes hands with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in New Delhi, India, Dec. 22, 2017. Senior officials of China and India have agreed to properly handle border issues so as to jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in their border areas. (Xinhua/Zhang Naijie)

Chinese authorities on Thursday called for better military relations with India in 2018, urging the latter to manage its border troops in a “proper way.”

“We hope that the Indian side can abide by relevant agreement and pact, managing its border troops in a proper way and do more for peace and stability in the border area,” said Senior Colonel Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of China, at a regular press conference on Dec. 28.

According to Ren, the two countries’ military relationship is a crucial component for bilateral ties, and it is important for the two nations’ military authorities to strengthen strategic communication, in an effort to maintain peace and stability along the China-Indian border.

Ren’s remarks come after senior officials from both sides agreed to properly handle border issues at the 20th round of talks between Chinese and Indian special representatives on boundary issues on Dec. 23.

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval have decided to focus on talks between the two nations, maintaining contacts and negotiation, as well as boosting strategic dialogue and communication in a bid to create favorable conditions for the development of China-India relations.