Zeenews Bureau

Beijing: The Communist government of China has accorded a red-carpet welcome to firebrand BJP leader and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a five-day official visit to the country.

As per reports, Wednesday, the Communist Party of China is paying close attention to the BJP leader, who is expected to meet top CPC leaders during his stay in the country and hold discussions on attracting more Chinese investment in Gujarat.

Indications have come from Beijing that the Chinese government is viewing Modi as India’s future prime minister despite his image as a hardline Hindutva leader. What seems to have helped the Chinese form an opinion is the projection of Modi as the future leader of India by several top Indian industrialists.

The positive US Congressional report about the state of governance in Modi’s Gujarat and its assertion that the state has become a key driver of India`s growth also played a role.

Importantly, Modi is slated to meet "a top leader" of the CPC at the Great Hall of the People.

Although, the name of the leader has not been disclosed, but the selection of the Great Hall of the People is as the venue is significant as important foreign visitors are welcomed by China`s President, Prime Minister or Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People`s Congress or the Chinese Parliament.

The red-carpet welcome is important as it would help Modi in cementing business ties because industry leaders in China usually wait for the party and the government go-ahead before signing major business deals.

Modi’s China tour has come shortly after his announcement to build the world`s tallest Buddhist stupa in Gujarat.

The Gujarat Chief Minister will also hold discussions with top office bearers of the international department of the CPC central committee, which acts as a bridge between the party and political parties across the world.

Besides, he will also meet the mayor and party secretary of two major cities, Beijing and Shanghai.

Modi is third CM from BJP to visit China after Karnataka’s former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa and Madhya Pradesh’s Shivaraj Singh Chouhan.