Media sensationalised border issue, says Wen Jiabao

NEW DELHI - The Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday said the media exaggerated the boundary issue between India and China.

Interacting with journalists and artists here, Wen stressed that the media should play a more constructive role in enhancing friendly ties between both countries.

“It is undeniable that in the long history of exchanges between our two countries, there was a page of unpleasantness, of even twists and turns. But in, I think, in the long annals of history that was only a short page. Now what we should do is to turn over the page and move forward continuously. I agree with you that we should do more to increase mutual understanding,” said Jiabao.

“I know that there are over 500 presses in India, and the Indian system desires that the press has freedom and complete openness. But I, at the same time, believe that the media should play a bigger role in promoting friendship between our two countries,” he added.

Stating an example of the boundary issue between India and China, Jiabao said: “In recent years, there has never been a single shot fired or exchanged in border areas between us. However, the boundary question has been repeatedly sensationalised by media. This makes leaders of the two countries feel compelled that they must come up and do some thing to repair the damage or the harm.”

“So, my hope is that the media of the two countries will play a more active role in enhancing friendship, and work with the government for the promotion of friendship between us,” he said.

Wen, who arrived in India on Wednesday on a three-day visit, offered support for New Delhi’s bid for a greater role in the United Nations, and agreeing on an ambitious target of 100 billion dollars in trade between the rising powers by 2015.

China is now India’s largest trade partner and two-way trade reached 60 billion dollars this year, up from 13.6 billion dollars in 2004. (ANI)