Report on ties in 'balanced way': China to Indian media

Amid the unease in Sino-India ties over a range of issues, China has appealed to the Indian media to report on bilateral relations in a "more balanced way".

Addressing a Holi reception for the media last night, Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui said he was impressed by the progress made by the Indian media.

However, he said, "I humbly request the media here to report on China-India relations in a more balanced way." "What impressed me most is the big progress of the media, compared with my first term in India 28 years ago. Firstly, the media has developed very fast. Traditional media, social media, 24-hour Television shows a lot of breaking news," said Luo, who is in India on his second posting.

He said the development really means information explosion and freedom of speech in India. His remarks came amid unease in bilateral relations over China's opposition to India's admission into the Nuclear Supplies Group (NSG) and efforts to get JeM chief Masood Azhar banned by the UN.

Also, India has concerns over the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project as it passes through PoK. There have also been tensions between the two countries over the issue of India allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh.

Luo, while urging the media to report on Sino-India ties in a balanced manner, also praised the media, which he said showed that India was an open society, integrated deeply with the world.

"Indian media pays more attention to China and China-India relations. It promotes better understanding between our two peoples, and also helps China to understand Indian perspectives. I appreciate what you have done to bridge China-India interactions and friendship," he said.

Talking about the festival of Holi, Luo said like Yoga, this is another gift from India to the world. China and India are the fastest growing economies, he said.

"Both are close observers and participants of the global and domestic big events.

Both are pioneers of advanced social philosophy. Both have strong sense of social responsibility. Let's work together to make the world brighter, to make China-India relations better and to make our lives as colourful as Holi," he said