Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has called for mutual respect and understanding between New Delhi and Beijing, saying the two countries have the experience and wisdom to manage their differences.
Speaking at China’s National Day celebrations in Delhi, Xu said both sides should focus on peaceful coexistence and maintaining stability, particularly along their disputed border.
Xu stresses need for peaceful coexistence
“As two ancient civilisations, China and India have sufficient political and historical wisdom to handle differences properly,” Xu said.
The ambassador said China remained committed to a “dual-track approach” covering both bilateral relations and the border question. According to him, progress on the two tracks should support and reinforce each other.
Xu also underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas, saying this would help ensure that bilateral relations continue to “advance on the right track”.
His remarks come against the backdrop of renewed diplomatic engagement between India and China, including a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Modi, Xi discuss ties at BRICS Summit
Xi visited India earlier this month to attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, marking his first visit to the country in seven years. He also held bilateral talks with Modi on the sidelines of the summit.
During the meeting, India said the two countries needed to ensure that “differences should not become disputes”. The two leaders also discussed the boundary question and stressed the importance of peace and tranquillity in border areas.
The Ministry of External Affairs said Modi and Xi expressed their “commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution” of the boundary question. Modi also stressed that peace along the border remained an essential basis for the continued development of bilateral ties.
Xi highlights India-China role in Global South
During his talks with Modi, Xi described India and China as “important members” of the Global South and said the two countries had significant responsibilities.
“In the face of a complex international landscape marked by intertwined changes and challenges, China and India, as the world's two most populous countries and important members of the Global South, shoulder significant responsibilities. Both sides should keep the future of humanity in mind and the well-being of their peoples at heart, and work together to advance high-quality cooperation within the greater BRICS framework.
We should advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive, mutually beneficial form of economic globalisation, injecting more positive energy into the promotion of world peace, stability, development and prosperity,” Xi said.