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| Indian prime minister arrives in China |
| CCTV.COM 2003-06-23 09:06:10 |
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 The special plane carrying Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee touched down at the Beijing International Airport on Sunday. The international community is watching Vajpayee's official visit for its impact on Sino－Indian relations.
Vajpayee is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit China in a decade. Chinese government officials were at the airport to welcome him and his delegation.
China and India are the world's two biggest developing countries. Together they account for one third of the world's population. In the past five decades, relations between the two neighbors have not always been smooth. This has hampered the development of bilateral ties and cooperation at a level appropriate for two big powers.
During the past four years, both China and India have been working on the stable development of ties. In particular, high－level contacts are on increase. Vajpayee's visit will see his third meeting with China's President Hu Jintao within a month. Previously the two met in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, and the French city of Evian.
Both New Delhi and Beijing are trying to set aside differences and focus on forging stronger economic links and favorable diplomatic relations. In an interview before his trip, Vajpayee told Chinese media that he hoped his visit will cement trust and understanding between the two countries and tap the potential for expanded cooperation with China.
The Indian Prime Minister has arrived for his six－day official visit. Besides Beijing, he is scheduled to travel to Shanghai and the ancient city of Luoyang in central China. The coming days of high－level contacts between the leaders of the two Asian giants are expected to improve mutual understanding, further trust, and reduce doubts.
Background report: 53 years of Sino－Indian relations
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Editor: Yang Feiyang CCTV.com
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