Performances of yoga and wushu launched a Chinese-Indian cultural festival in Beijing Friday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations.

Held at an arts center in downtown Beijing, the two-hour long opening session of the four-day festival was attended by 400 Chinese and Indian diplomats, scholars, businessmen and others from all walks of life.

"Such a cultural exchange is a two-way track," said Han Fangming, vice director of the foreign affairs committee of China's top political advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

"The cultures of China and India are equal, they are not supposed to suppress each other," Han said.

Both cultures highlighted the spirit of peace and harmony, which would contribute to the development of bilateral ties, he said.

About 60 such celebration activities had been held in more than 40 Chinese cities, said Indian Ambassador S. Jaishankar. He said he hoped the activities would promote mutual understanding between the two peoples.

China and India established diplomatic relations in 1950. China has become India's second largest trade partner while India is China's largest trade partner in South Asia.