A commemorative book containing 25 key documents on Sino-India relations, including one containing the famous principles of Panchsheel, has been launched in Beijing [Images], as part of the year-long celebrations to mark the 'Year of India-China Friendship'.

The book was launched by Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

The publication of the 'Important Documents on Relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of India' is a compilation of important bilateral documents signed or issued by the two countries since the establishment of their diplomatic ties 56 years ago.

It covers the evolution of China-India relations and testifies to the good-neighbourliness and friendship between the two nations, Li said.

Li said China-India relationship has entered a new stage of development since the two countries declared in 2005 to form a strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity.

"China and India, with similar national conditions and respective strength, share extensive common interests and a great potential for cooperation," he said at the ceremony held Tuesday evening at the Diaoyutai state guesthouse.

The book, both in Chinese and English, contains 25 important documents since late prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru received a letter from his Chinese counterpart Zhou En Lai on October 2, 1949, in which the Chinese leader expressed desire to establish diplomatic relations with India.

In his reply dated December 30, 1949, Nehru responds positively to Zhou, expressing India's willingness to forge diplomatic relations with China.

Zhou, in response to Nehru's letter, wrote back on January 4, 1950, that China is willing to establish diplomatic relations with India on the basis of "equality, mutual benefits and mutual respect for sovereignty".

The 306-page book, which also has several rare photographs, also has the June 28, 1954 Joint Statement of Nehru and Zhou in which they co-invented the famous Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence or Panchsheel.

"If these principles are applied not only between various countries but also in international relations generally, they would form a solid foundation for peace and security and fears and apprehensions that exist today would give place to a feeling of confidence," the statement noted.

Indian Ambassador to China Nalin Surie who also attended the ceremony, said he was happy to see the book of select bilateral documents, which also includes the Principles of Panchsheel, jointly developed by India and China.

"This is befitting for these principles continue to be relevant in today's complex and rapidly globalising world," Surie said.

Even before India's independence, Nehru, had in 1946 said, "China and India have stood for certain ideals in human life for ages past. These ideals must be adapted to the changing circumstances of the world today. But they must remain to guide us in the future."

"We see this publication as a first step and expect to build on it and later in the year publish a comprehensive compilation of all agreements that have been signed between India and China since our independence," the Indian ambassador said while thanking the Chinese Foreign Ministry for bringing out the commemorative book.