Tap 'positive energies' in Sino-India ties: China to media

NEW DELHI: Amidst the negativity in Sino- India ties, a senior Chinese Communist Party official today underlined the need for the media in both countries to build on the "positive energies" in bilateral relations to enhance mutual trust and bring the two Asian giants closer.

Addressing the 3rd India-China Media Dialogue here, Tuo Zhen, Vice-Minister, Publicity Department of the ruling Communist Party of China Central Committee, said journalists in the two countries could help forge better bilateral relations by projecting what was "good and positive" in the two neighbouring nations, also ancient civilisations.

"It can generate a lot of positive energy" if the media in both countries highlight the positive news that has been taking place, he said.

Tuo said the field for bilateral cooperation was vast and there was great potential to develop fast, including in areas like media and culture. By jointly exploring opportunities in these areas, the two countries could improve mutual understanding among each other, the senior official said.

Tuo also called for stepped up cooperation among the media in the BRICS grouping, saying it would also lead to enhanced mutual understanding among the people of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Senior journalists from China, who participated in the dialogue, said that there was an urgent need to improve perceptions that has a very important role in molding public opinion in both countries.

Deputy Editor of China Daily, Gao Anming said the two countries should focus on developing their economies and take help from each other on their strengths.

For example, China should tap India's strength in areas like Information Technology, financial services and pharmaceuticals while India can focus on China's strengths in infrastructure and other areas.

Interestingly, the media dialogue took place at a time when China-India ties have witnessed stress due to issues like China's opposition to India's efforts to get JeM chief Masood Azhar banned by the UN and Beijing's efforts to scuttle India's membership bid at NSG.

Indian journalists at the dialogue also raised India's concerns on these issues and the need for China to be sensitive to New Delhi's interests.