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China, India to set up military hotline
November 1, 2013, 4:44 am

The crucial Border defence cooperation agreement was signed between the two countries during Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's state visit to China last week [Getty Images]

The crucial Border Defence Cooperation Agreement was signed between the two countries during Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh’s state visit to China last week [Getty Images]

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

The crucial Border Defence Cooperation Agreement was signed between the two countries during Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s state visit to China last week.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a press conference in Beijing that, “Relevant military personnel and departments may hold regular meetings” to continue to promote mutual trust in the Line of Actual Control.

He added 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”.

The two countries already have hotlines between the two prime ministers Offices.

A military hotline would be a direct communication link between the armies of the two neighbours.

The military communications channel is designed to reduce the risk of friction at the border.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry described the border accord signed between the two sides as the “highlight” of Singh’s trip.

India and China have also announced joint military exercises in November in Chengdu region after a gap of nearly five years.

Source: Agencies