Chinese Foreign Ministry for more military exercises with India

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman today said in Beijing that China is willing to conduct more military exercises with India, following the success this week of their first bilateral counter-terrorism exercise.

New Delhi, Dec.27 : A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman today said in Beijing that China is willing to conduct more military exercises with India, following the success this week of their first bilateral counter-terrorism exercise.

"We believe joint military exercises are helpful in building mutual trust and promoting cooperation, especially in the fields of security and combating non-traditional security factors," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said.

"We hope that such activities can continue and will be increased in a way that is helpful to improving the stability and security of this region."

The two nations wrapped up their historic military exercise in Kunming in southern China's Yunnan Province on Tuesday with a drill in which they wiped out a group of supposed terrorists who were operating along their common border.

The Indian Army's Deputy Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Susheel Gupta, told reporters this week that the exercise was a first step in the right direction and the beginning of a long-term understanding and partnership that is set to initiate with this exercise.

During the five-day-long "Hand-in-Hand" exercise, the two armies learnt a lot about counter-terror tactics from each other.

Chinese Lieutenant General Ma termed the exercise as 'successful', and added that it would play an active role in "enhancing mutual understanding and trust and deepening exchanges and cooperation in defence field between the two sides."

The decision to hold the exercise is in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on exchange and cooperation in the field of defence, signed between India and China in 2006.

A one armed reconnaissance company of the People's Liberation Army and an equivalent strength of Indian troops, led by Brigadier D S Dadwal, participated in the exercise.

Activities involved the establishment of a joint command post, a joint battle decision-making and conduct of anti terrorism drills.

The Indian troops also taught 'Yoga' to their Chinese counterparts, while the Chinese soldiers familiarized their Indian counterparts with martial arts skills. Weapon displays from both the sides were also organized.

A cultural extravaganza and friendly bonhomie brought the exercise to a close. It involved beautiful Chinese women swinging to songs from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's flick, Devdas, and Chinese military personnel doing the Punjabi Bhangra.

ANI