BEIJING: The Chinese defense ministry announced on Thursday that China’sDeputy Commander of Western military region, Major General Liu Xiaowu willsoon visit Pakistan and India.

Spokesperson Wu Qian said Major General Liu would discuss border issues andcollaboration as well as have an interaction with the militaries during hisvisit.

Wu said that Pakistan and India along with other Shanghai CooperationOrganisation (SCO) member states would participate in the “Peace Mission”joint military drill to be held in Russia this year.

“China is willing to continue to connect through exchange and cooperationin defense and security with SCO member countries on the basis of mutualtrust and benefit, and to improve capacity to jointly cope with newchallenges and threats,” he said.

The spokesperson added that during the visit, Major General Liu would beexpected to meet with the leaders of the two countries’ military forces,and exchange experience on the battlefield-level, contacts, border control,and border defense cooperation.

When talking about Sino-Indian border defense cooperation, the spokespersonsaid that China and India held a meeting and discussed border issues.

The meeting was mainly for the purpose of practicing yoga together, becausethe day of June 21 coincides with the “International Yoga Day.”

In addition, the Chinese officers and soldiers also performed martial artsperformances with Indian officers and soldiers.