TIL Desk/World/Beijing/ China today reacted guardedly to India hosting top ASEAN leaders on the country’s 69th Republic Day and hoped that all countries can work jointly to maintain peace, stability and the development of the region.
India is holding a two-day India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit in New Delhi which is expected to give boost to the cooperation in key areas of counter-terrorism, security and connectivity amidst increasing Chinese economic and military assertiveness in the region.
In an unprecedented event, all the 10 ASEAN leaders will also be the chief guests at the Republic Day parade. “We hope all countries can work together for peace, stability and development of the region,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing when asked about the gathering of ASEAN leaders to attend the Republic Day function.
“We can all play a constructive role in this regard,” she said criticising media reports that the Indian move to invite these leaders was aimed at blunting China’s influence. “I want to say that on the Indian side, India media is not very confident and they do not trust us,” she said.
