China, India may set up military hotline

China and India are considering establishing a hotline between the headquarters of the countries' armed forces, according to a recently signed agreement, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

Spokesman Yang Yujun told a regular press conference that the two armed forces will make joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in border areas following the signing of a Border Defense Cooperation Agreement during Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's official visit to China last week.

Relevant military personnel and departments may hold regular meetings, Yang said, noting that the two sides agreed to continue to promote mutual trust in the Line of Actual Control.

The agreement summarized good practices and experiences on the management of differences in China-India border areas, Yang said, adding that the border areas have generally maintained peace and stability in recent years.

He stressed that the Chinese army is willing to work with India to constantly promote mutual trust, enhance cooperation and maintain peace and stability of the border areas so as to benefit relations between the two countries.

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BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman on Thursday underlined the importance of the latest China-India agreement on border defense cooperation, signed during Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Beijing.

"China-India agreement on border defense cooperation is a highlight of the prime ministers' meeting... it is significant for consolidating trust and friendship and safeguarding border peace and tranquility," Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing. Full story