China, India open 'Year of Friendship'

BEIJING, Jan. 24 -- China and India on Friday launched their "Year of Friendship in 2014," which they hope will increase understanding and cooperation between the two big countries.

Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao attended the opening ceremony in Beijing, along with dozens of diplomats, cultural figures, businesspeople and officials.

Li said China-India ties are facing new opportunities and mutual friendship and cooperation will benefit the two peoples as well as contributing to world peace, stability and prosperity.

He pledged to further bilateral relations as this year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, which were agreed upon by China and India as a guideline for bilateral and international relations.