Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c14.63

v2.c14.63

From December 19-23, 1988, the Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi paid a formal visit to China on invitation. This was the first time in 34 years that an Indian prime minister visited China. Rajiv Gandhi visited China in spite of opposition at home and held frank, sincere and amicable talks with the Premier Li Peng, exchanging opinions on bilateral relations and issues of common concern. They arrived at a consensus that the border issue should be resolved on the basis of amicable consultation, the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence as well as mutual understanding, accommodation and adjustment so as to improve and develop a good-neighbourly relationship. Deng Xiaoping and other Chinese leaders also met Rajiv Gandhi.