When asked whether China saw India developing ties with Bhutan as move to contain China, Hua Chunying told a daily news briefing, "We are paying attention to the Indian prime minister's visit. We are glad to see our neighbors develop friendly ties with each other."
Break with Protocol! In departure from practice @PMOIndia got off vehicle in Bhutan & met some from huge crowd. pic.twitter.com/JLTzYOSoi9
— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) June 16, 2014
Stressing that China attached great importance to its relationship with India, Hua said recent years have witnessed the healthy and stable development of the strategic partnership of cooperation between the two.
China has full expectation and confidence in promoting ties with India, she said.
Modi arrived in Bhutan on Sunday, kicking off his first foreign tour since assuming office last month.
On the relationship with Bhutan, Hua said although China and Bhutan have not forged diplomatic ties so far, the two nations have maintained friendly exchanges.
She added that China respects Bhutan's sovereignty and territorial integrity and pledges to develop ties with it on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.
C'tsy:Xinhua
