In the wake of Chinese authorities unveiling a new map annexing Indian territory, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) have attempted to mend their fractured ties with Indian forces by restarting their mutual language courses.
A PLA officer had first attended an English language course in 2006-07 at the Army Centre of Education, Pachmari, which was reciprocated in 2009 when an IAF officer visited PLA's foreign language academy in Kunshan.This visit was followed up by another IAF officer in 2011-2012.
But 2012-2013 saw the exchange come to a halt when neither side took advantage of the courses.
China and India's current agreement consists of three mutually offered courses - in language, physical training and higher command - to promote co-operation between the two powers.
"Ni hao, ni hao!" Nervous looking Chinese troop shakes hands with angry-looking Indian
The relationship between the two nations was strained last week by the release by China of a new map which mark Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian state at the heart of a brief but bitter border war in 1962, as part of Tibet. Large chunks of Jammu and Kashmir are also included as part of China.
An influx of mutual engagements suggest measures are being taken to re-affirm ties.
Gen Bikram Singh is scheduled to depart for Beijing on Wednesday - the first visit by an Indian army chief in nearly a decade - as an additional step towards rebuilding bridges.
Singh's visit is one of several planned exchanges between the two sides. India's Navy Chief was also arranged to visit China for the West Pacific Syposium, but it did not materialize.
Additionally, Sen Col Geng Yansheng - spokesperson for China's national defense ministry ministry - will lead a delegation to India on Wednesday.
The renewed optimism towards China and India's military relations comes as a sharp contrast to the reception the 'US military occupation in Asia' received in Shenzhen back in May.
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