Saffron delegation on maiden visit to China

Making a fresh beginning in the new year, the five-member team of BJP, RSS and Shiv Sena led by senior leader Balasaheb Apte is hoping that the goodwill mission will lead to better understanding of the “right wing” views by the political class in the communist giant.

“India and China are a force to reckon with and the world would be a better place if the two countries know each other better and the political class have a better understanding and co-ordination, ” Apte told PTI.

The Communist Party of India, however, sought to downplay the five-day visit saying that it was “a matter between two parties” and there was nothing more to it.

“Communist Party of China has relationship with all parties in India.. Congress leadership visited China recently. The BJP delegation visit is a matter between two parties, I have nothing to comment on it,” CPI leader D Raja said.

The saffron side, however, feels that the visit will begin a new chapter in the Sino-Indian relationship.