New Delhi:  Chinese Consul General in Kolkata, Ma Zhanwu has asserted that India-China relations are not going to be a walk in the park, but the two nations need to have the confidence to make things work.

Speaking at the inaugural session to commemorate the 80th anniversary of CheenaBhavana in Santiniketan, he said the "differences" between the two countries were outweighed by their shared interest and trust. 

Pitching for a new impetus in the bilateral relations, Ma said, "China-India relationship is not going to be a walk in the park. It is going to be difficult with ups and downs. However, we need to have confidence that we can do it". 

Quoting a recent statement of Chinese President Xi Jinping, he said his country did not pose a threat to any other nation, and "certainly not India". 

"Our president had said China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansion, and will not pose any threat to anybody," he said. 

Describing China as a "modern, prosperous, socialist and democratic" country, Ma said it wants to make its relationship with India most vibrant one. 

"We need to aim high. We need to have mutual trust. We need to hear from the other side as well," the Chinese diplomat said. 

Ma also asked the media to play a key role in bolstering ties between the two nations. 

"Talk more of great nations and less of conflicts," he said. 

Hailing the two-day conference to mark the 80th anniversary of CheenaBhavana, he said over 70 scholars from China were attending the meet for which preparations had begun one-and-a-half years back. 

The CheenaBhavana (Institute of Chinese Language and Culture) at VisvaBharati University was founded by Rabindranath Tagore in April, 1937.