IV. The new phase

In the 21st century, the two countries have attached great importance to promoting a strategic and cooperative partnership, and building a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity.

In January 2002, Premier Zhu Rongji visited India and signed documents of cooperation on space technology, water conservancy, personnel exchange, science and technology, and botanical quarantine.

In June 2003, Prime Minister A. B. Vajpayee visited China. During his visit the Declaration on Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation was signed. The declaration provided a framework accepted by both sides and was considered a programmatic document for developing "a long-term constructively cooperative partnership."

June 28, 2004 was the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao exchanged message of congratulations with their counterparts respectively.

In April 2005, Premier Wen Jiabao visited India. During the visit, the two sides issued a joint statement establishing a strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity. The agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles signed during the visit was the first political guideline for boundary negotiations. The two sides also signed a 5-year plan for comprehensive business cooperation.

In November 2006, President Hu Jintao visited India and attended the celebrations to launch the "Year of China-India Friendship." During the visit, the two sides issued a Joint Declaration containing a ten-pronged strategy to intensify cooperation in all areas and give greater meaning to the China-India Strategic and Cooperative Partnership.

In December 2007, China and India conducted their first ever joint anti-terror military drill – "Hand in Hand 2007" in Kunming, Yunnan Province.

In January 2008, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh visited China. A joint document entitled "A Shared Vision for the 21st Century of the People's Republic of China and the Republic of India" was issued during his visit, outlining common positions on international and bilateral issues. The two sides also signed ten documents concerning cooperation in traditional medicine, botanical quarantine, geological surveying, and land and resources.

In December 2008, the second Sino-Indian joint anti-terror military drill named "Hand in Hand 2008" was held in Belgaum, India. The training promoted mutual trust and understanding, strengthened communications on anti-terrorism, and pushed forward the relationship between the two armies.

Led by Admiral Sureesh Mehta, chief of Indian Naval Staff, Indian missile destroyers INS Mumbai and INS Ranveer arrived in Qingdao, April 19, 2009, to attend an international fleet review on April 23 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy.

In the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, December 2009, China and India both laid stress on the reinforcement of communication and cooperation, working together to make contributions to meeting the climate challenge and defending the interests of developing countries.