Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has emphasised China’s commitment to enhancing its relationship with India, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations this year. In his annual press conference on Friday, Wang called for cooperation on mutual growth and progress. He further said that the “boundary dispute” and specific differences between India and China must not dictate the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Wang Yi said, “China and India are each other’s largest neighbours. China always believes that the two should be partners that contribute to each other’s success. A cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant is the only right choice for both sides.”
Positive Developments in India-China Relationship
Reflecting on the year gone by, Wang noted that significant strides had been made in India-China relations, particularly following the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia.
He also stated, “The successful meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan last October provided strategic guidance for the improvement and development of the bilateral ties. Both sides have earnestly followed through on the important common understandings of our leaders, strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels, and achieved a series of positive outcomes.”
Boundary Disputes Shouldn’t Dictate Bilateral Relations
Wang Yi stressed China’s position that the boundary dispute should not overshadow broader bilateral relations. He expressed confidence that both nations, as ancient civilisations, possessed the wisdom and ability to maintain peace at their borders until a fair solution was reached.
Wang Yi said, “As two ancient civilisations, we have enough wisdom and capability to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution. We should never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question, or let specific differences affect the overall picture of our bilateral ties.”
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Wang Yi said, “This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations. China stands ready to work with India to sum up past experience, forge a path forward, and advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development.”
“Hegemonism and Power Politics”
Highlighting their shared responsibilities as important members of the Global South, Wang also called on both countries to oppose hegemonism and power politics. Referring to the global influence of the U.S., he suggested that China and India should work together for greater democracy in international affairs, strengthening the position of the Global South.
He said, “As important members of the Global South, we have the responsibility to take the lead in opposing hegemonism and power politics. We must not only safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of our countries, but also uphold the basic norms governing international relations. When China and India join hands, the prospects for greater democracy in international relations and a stronger Global South will improve greatly”.
Wang further said, “There is every reason for us to support each other rather than undermine each other or undercut each other,” he said, adding that both the countries “should work with each other rather than guard against each other. This is the only path that truly serves the fundamental interests of the two countries”.
