Beijing, Jan 18 (IANS): China on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being optimistic about Sino-Indian ties.

Beijing also said the common interests of both the nations outweighed their differences.

In a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said ties with India were important to Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) and developing countries.

"China applauds Modi's positive comments. Chinese and Indian leaders have a common understanding that our shared interests far outweigh our differences," Hua was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.

The comments come a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the rise of India and China an "unprecedented opportunity" for the two countries and the world.

Responding to Modi's view that it was "not unnatural" for two large neighbouring powers to have some differences, Hua said China is committed to increasing trust, expanding cooperation and properly resolving any differences with India.

The development of China-India relations is important to the strength of the BRICS and as a tool to promote world multipolarisation, Hua said.