The defence dialogue, held on December 9, came in the backdrop of the postponement of the 15th round of border talks over China`s objection to the Dalai Lama`s presence at a Buddhist conference in New Delhi. "The two sides spoke highly of the outcome of the defence dialogue," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Liu Weimin told a media briefing here today, answering a question on the outcome of the second round of Defence Dialogue.
He said China hopes that based on the existing outcome the two sides will "expand the common ground, enhance practical military cooperation and inject new vitality in military cooperation". The defence dialogue was held between Defence Secretary, Sashi Kant Sharma and Deputy Chief of the People`s Liberation Army (PLA), Gen Ma Xiaotian on December 9. Liu said as two largest developing countries in the world the two have extensive common interest in terms of ensuring regional peace, stability and economic and social development of the two countries.
Late last month border, talks between National Security Advisor, Shivshankar Menon, and senior Chinese diplomat and state councillor, Dai Bingguo were postponed over China`s objections to Dalai Lama`s participation in a Buddhist conference, held around the same time the border talks were scheduled on November 28-29. No fresh dates have been announced yet and the two sides were reportedly in touch work out new schedule.