China/India: 6th Defence Dialogue

China/India: 6^th Defence Dialogue: China and India concluded yesterday (25.02.2014 – New Delhi) the 6^th session of their bilateral Annual Defence Dialogue, confirming the intention to hold a second joint India-China Army joint exercise in 2014 (after the successful exercise of 2013), to increase cooperation on maritime security, and to keep tranquility on the disputed border area. The Chinese delegation was lead by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the PLA (People’s Liberation Army), Lt Gen Guanzhong, while India was represented by the Defence Secretary, Mathur. The 6^th session also agreed on (1) the creation of hot lines between Indian and Chinese brigades, and at Command/corps levels; (2) the establishment of senior levels exchanges between the Directorates General of Military Operations; (3) the strengthening of bilateral strategic consultations on matters related to Asian security (South Asian and Pacific Asia). A visit to India of the Chinese Defence Minister is also expected for later on in 2014.