CRI听力:Modi Meets Chinese Press ahead of Visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met with the Chinese media in Delhi ahead of his visit to China this week.

Modi says he wants to focus on how India and China can work together for the betterment of the global society.

"Both India and China have a responsibility in assisting the third world countries. A reduction in disease and poverty in these countries will have a huge impact on the whole world. We all acknowledge that the 21st century is an Asian century. I believe a closer India-China relationship will send a strong signal of peace and stability to the world."

An estimated 10 billion US dollars-worth of economic agreements are due to be signed as part of Modi's time in China.

India's ambassador to China, Ashok Kantha, says he expects the "Belt and Road" initiatives will also be a significant topic of discussion.

He says the two sides will also move forwards in sub-national cooperation.

"Both sides recognize that the relations between India and China, two large countries, cannot just be conducted from New Delhi and Beijing. So we're developing the team of the sub-regional, sub-national cooperation involving states and provinces and cities. That's a major focus of this visit. And you'll see new initiatives ranging from yoga to outer space to skill development to several other areas."

Modi is set to arrive in China on Thursday.

He's due to make a stop in Xi'an before heading to Beijing and Shanghai.