China, India frontier guards celebrate New Year together

BEIJING - China and India organized a New Year celebration near the two countries' border, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed on Monday.

The activity, held in the western part of the border area, was carried out in line with an agreement reached by the two sides earlier, spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a routine press briefing.

Both sides sent New Year's wishes to each other during the celebration, which enhanced exchanges and mutual trust between the countries' border guards, Hua said.

The activity showed their determination and willingness to safeguard and strengthen peace and stability in the border area, she added.

China is confident in maintaining long-term peace along the border, Hua said, noting the two sides have launched a series of cooperation and communication mechanisms in recent years.

China is willing to work with India to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries to constantly improve and promote relations between the two frontier guards, Hua said.