Maintaining cooperation on international and regional affairs will provide a strong incentive to consolidate China and India's mutual trust, making it easier for them to understand each other's strategic purposes, says an editorial in People's Daily. Excerpts:

The newspaper Hindustan recently ran an article that said 2012 was a year with the fewest problems in Sino-India relations thanks to efficient communications between the two governments. This is a realistic portrayal of the development of Sino-India relations this year.

Trade has increased from about $3 billion in 2001 to $80 billion in 2012. China is now India's largest trading partner.

China and India have agreed to resolve friction and border issues through dialogue, and both sides want to maintain stable ties. This valuable consensus is in line with both people's interests.

The rapid development of both countries requires them to undertake more international responsibilities and play bigger roles in maintaining regional peace and stability.

As ancient civilized countries, China and India have the wisdom to protect their independence from foreign powers and explore the best way to develop the nations according to their national conditions.

Given their divergence and border disputes, China and India's success in deepening mutual trust and cooperation proves that big countries can realize a win-win co-existence. The zero-sum game is only an excuse for the West to wage wars against other countries.