Chinese envoy calls for \'one-plus-one: more than two\' diplomatic formula with India

Kolkata: Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India, a Chinese envoy on Thursday proposed a "one-plus-one: more than two" diplomacy to strengthen India-China bilateral relations.

Chinese Consul General in Kolkata Zha Liyou said, "China and India have immense potential to be unleashed to the world. The encounters between India and China should bring about economic prosperity to both regions. One plus one must be more than two and definitely not less than two."

His proposal of the diplomatic formula came during his delivery of the inaugural address at the 44th Annual General Meeting of the Silk Association of India at Bharat Chamber of Commerce.

Liyou stated, “Around the globe, ‘silk’ signifies opulence and fine quality and it is a matter of great delight that China and India are the leading producers of this product.” He emphasised the importance of strengthening the bilateral relationship in trade and investment and welcomed chambers, associations and individuals to reach out to him.

Liyou said, “The President of China is soon to visit India and hold discussions about the economic development in different sectors between both countries. China looks forward to build up its economic ties with India, if you also think the same, we can be friends.”

BCC president Sitaram Sharma observed that in recent times silk exports from India have shown a downward trend. He advised the Silk Association of India to diversify to other textile products and look into the prospects of penetrating into the rapidly growing markets, particularly in the African countries in order to increase exports.