, Nov 11 – The Chinese Navy is ready to step up contacts with their Indian counterpart to increase mutual trust and confidence as well as safeguard the vital maritime interests of the two nations, a top official has said.
Welcoming a high-level visit by Indian Navy to China, the commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) eastern sea fleet, Vice Admiral Zhao Guojun said the friendly port call by the Indian Naval ships to Shanghai would enhance mutual trust and cooperation between the armed forces and contribute to the further development of bilateral ties between the two neighbouring nations.
Briefing the flag officer commanding of the eastern command, Vice Admiral O P Bansal on the role of the eastern sea fleet of the plan, Zhao here last night said the warships under his command had to play a crucial role to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially with the 'Taiwan issue' remaining unresolved.
China views Taiwan as a rebel province that must be reunified with the Chinese mainland, even by force.
Stressing that the Chinese defence forces were pursuing a policy of 'active defence', Zhao said he was looking forward to enhance its cooperation with the Indian defence forces in future and the first-ever joint search and operations manoeuvres scheduled for November 14 would promote greater understanding.
Vice Admiral Bansal, heading a high-level Indian Naval delegation currently on a five day visit, accompanied by an Armada of three warships – INS Ranjit, a guided-missile destroyer, INS Kulish, a guided-missile corvette and INS Jyoti, a replenishment tanker, also expressed the desire of the Indian defence forces to step up military-to-military ties with the People's Liberation Army as decided by the leadership of the two countries.
Bansal was confident that increased contacts and cooperation between the Indian Navy and the plan would boost bilateral military-to-military ties and contribute positively to the development of bilateral ties.
The meeting was attended among others by the Indian Ambassador to China, Nalin Surie, the flag officer commanding of the eastern fleet of the Indian Navy, Rear Admiral R P Suthan.
The three Indian warships are here to take part in the first India-China naval exercises that are scheduled to take place off the Shanghai coast on November 14.
Apart from enhancing mutual trust and confidence, the exercises are also aimed at ensuring the safety of maritime trade and improving coordination in search and rescue at sea.
