Raksha Mantri Shri A.K. Antony who is on a three dayofficial visit to China received a ceremonial Guard of Honor at the Bayi PLAHeadquarters and held delegation level talks with his counterpart Gen.

Chang Wanquan in Beijing today. Raksha Mantri also latercalled on Premier Li Keqiang. Ambassador of India to Beijing Dr S Jaishankar,Defence Secretary R.K.Mathur, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, Lt Gen Dalbir Singhand the FoC-in-C, Southern Command, Vice Admiral Satish Soni were among theIndian delegation.

During the meetings, both sides discussed a number ofissues relating to bilateral defence relations, exchanges and interactionsbetween the Ministries of Defence and Armed Forces of both countries and theregional and international security situation.

Premier Li and Defence Minister conveyed that the newleadership in China attaches great importance to developing friendly andcooperative relations with India. Raksha Mantri conveyed that Indiareciprocates the sentiment and looks forward to building the relationshipfurther on a foundation of mutual trust and confidence and based on mutualrespect for each others concerns. In the discussions between both DefenceMinisters, measures to promote mutual trust and confidence building between theArmed Forces were discussed. It was agreed that strategic communication isrequired for building trust and understanding.

Both sides agreed on the need to maintain peace,tranquility and stability on the LAC. Itwas acknowledged that the border issue is a remnant of history which both sidesare making efforts to resolve and it was agreed that the SpecialRepresentatives mechanism should continue to work towards a solution. Bothsides also agreed that in the meanwhile, both countries will make joint effortsto maintain peace and tranquility on the borders and take measures tostrengthen communication and coordination at various levels between the borderguarding forces.

Among the measures for practical cooperation discussed wasthe conduct of the third joint Army exercise in China in October 2013. Bothsides have also agreed that the Navies and Air Forces of both countries willalso undertake enhanced professional exchanges.

On Saturday, Raksha Mantri is expected to have furthermeetings in Beijing and will also be visiting the National Defence Universityand an Air Force unit in Tianjin.