China on Thursday said that “sound and stable ties” serve the common interests of China and India as it reacted to PM Modi’s remarks that for New Delhi, ties with Beijing are important and the prolonged situation at the borders should be addressed urgently.

In an interview with Newsweek magazine, which described India’s rise as “unstoppable”, Prime Minister Modi expressed hope that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, the two countries will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquillity at their borders.