Beijing: China hopes that the maiden visit by Defence Minister George Fernandes to the country would enhance mutual understanding and propel military exchanges between the two Asian giants.

"We welcome the upcoming visit to China by the Defence Minister of India. We hope that this visit will help enhance mutual understanding between the Chinese and Indian people," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said.

"We also hope that this visit will propel the exchanges between the two countries and also between the military forces," Liu said, ahead of the week-long visit by Fernandes starting later on April 20.

Liu noted that India is an important neighbour of China and the two nations have a long history of friendly relations.

"In recent years, bilateral ties have been constantly developing on the basis of five principles of peaceful co-existence. Under the current complicated international situation, China and India, the largest two developing countries should enhance co-ordination and co-operation and join their hands in making contribution to regional peace and development," he added.

Fernandes, who has in the past made hawkish comments against China, is the first Indian Defence Minister to visit Beijing since 1992.

He is scheduled to meet top Chinese leaders during his stay and discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of common concern during his meetings, official sources said.

PTI