China, India should be partners rather than rivals: FM

BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday expressed the hope that China and India will be partners for mutual success instead of adversaries of mutual attrition.

"We must make sure that our relationship moves forward on the right track," Wang said.

With regard to the border issue left over from history, China has always advocated managing differences through equal-footed consultation and seeking a just and reasonable solution, without letting it affect or interfere with the bigger picture of bilateral cooperation, Wang said.

China and India have a combined population of over 2.8 billion and account for one third of humanity, Wang said. When the two countries achieve stability and prosperity and live in peace and harmony, global peace and prosperity will have a solid foundation, he added.

Only by staying independent can the two sides firmly grasp their own destiny and realize goals of development and rejuvenation, Wang said.