China's state-run media have characterised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit as marking a new beginning for relations between the two countries, but analysts cautioned that the nations would remain wary of each other as they compete for influence in the region.
Modi wrapped up his three-day visit to China yesterday after the two countries signed deals worth US$22 billion covering areas such as renewable energy, ports and finance.
The agreements came after a series of pacts were also signed on Friday to increase cooperation between the two Asian giants.
Modi also agreed during his talks with China's leaders that the two nations should take a proactive approach to solving their festering border dispute in the Himalayas. The two countries went to war over the issue in 1962.
However, Modi appeared aware of the mistrust between the two sides when he told reporters in Beijing on Friday that during his talks with Premier Li Keqiang he had asked China to "reconsider its approach" on some of issues that were hampering ties.
Modi did not clearly identify what sort of approach he meant, but many Chinese analysts have speculated that India was wary of China's attempts to increase its influence around the Indian Ocean and on to Europe through its "New Silk Road" trade initiatives.
India was also suspicious of China because of its strong and long-standing ties with its arch rival Pakistan, analysts said.
