Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will meet with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Beijing on Monday afternoon, has conveyed his keenness for Narendra Modi to become the first foreign leader to visit his hometown of Fuping near Xian when the Indian PM visits China in May. The offer from Xi for Modi to visit Fuping, a county which lies in the suburbs of Xian city, reciprocates the PM's gesture to host the Chinese President in Gujarat last September and is being considered by India, officials told media. Xi's hometown lies in a suburb of Xian, a sprawling metropolis in the southwestern Shaanxi province. Xi is the son of a former Vice Premier and leading Communist Party revolutionary, Xi Zhongxun. The Xi family village is in Fuping County, near Xian, which has become an important site where the new Chinese leader is building his political legacy. A towering statue of Xi Zhongxun has been expanded into a memorial and museum for the Xi family, showcasing their contributions to the Communist Party. While the possibility of Modi travelling to Fuping would pose logistical hurdles, officials said a more likely outcome is a visit to Xian, a city which has assumed special significance for Xi as the start of a new Silk Road Economic Belt linking China to South Asia and Europe, a signature initiative of his administration. During Swaraj's visit to Beijing which began on Sunday, India and China have been firming up plans for Modi's visit, which will likely take place in May. Swaraj told reporters that Modi wanted the visit to happen before he completes his first year in office, with the anniversary falling on May 26. However, China is yet to confirm the suitability of the dates. While the offer is being considered, Modi has also expressed his keenness to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Tibet. On Sunday, both countries agreed to open a second route through Nathu La, which will be launched in June and allow a further 250 pilgrims to undertake the journey. However, it remains unclear if it will be possible for Modi to undertake the Yatra before June, considering adverse weather conditions.
