Public diplomacy

"Our two countries must shake hands and conduct exchanges so that together we can raise the standing of Asia in the world and truly make Asian economy an important engine for world economy.

Members of the Chinese-Indian Youth Delegation pay a visit to the Great Wall in Beijing on Tuesday. Guan Xin / China Daily

"It's so good to see the young people in China and India getting on so well with each other."

He encouraged the young people to realize the pragmatic and long-term significance of the ties between Beijing and New Delhi and make efforts to push forward the key relations.

Hu Shisheng, an expert on South Asian studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said Li's meeting with the Indian youth "reflects the importance Beijing attaches to public diplomacy with India" and has come at a good time.

Upon their arrival in Beijing, Indian Ambassador to China S. Jaishankar held a reception for the delegation. He told them that China will become the most important nation for India in the future.

After spending four days in the capital, the delegation will visit Wuhan, a fast-developing city, and Shenzhen, the pioneer of China's economic reform three decades ago.

The meeting with Li is the most exciting event of the trip for Dr Vrishali Randhir, an associate professor from Pane University who is also a co-leader of the youth delegation.