China-India cooperation has sufficient space

BEIJING - Both Chinese and Indian leaders believe there is enough space in the world for the common development of China and India, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Wednesday.

Hong said during a regular press briefing that cooperative areas are also sufficient for the world's two largest developing countries.

Hong made the remarks in response to Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid's recent comments on India-China relations.

Sustainable, stable and healthy China-India ties will not only benefit both peoples but will also help to maintain peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the world at large, Hong said.

China is willing to work with India so as to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and engage in developing a bilateral strategic and cooperative partnership featuring equality, mutual trust and cooperation, Hong said.

According to media reports, Khurshid said Monday that as China and India convert their relationship into a meaningful partnership, India will have to accept the new reality of China's presence in areas that India considers to be exclusive to India and its friends.

Khurshid also said that greater collaboration between India and China will define Asia's role in the 21st century.