On the 18th local time in New Delhi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, once again expressing Beijing's intention to improve relations with India. Wang Yi stated that China-India relations are now showing a positive trend of returning to the main track of cooperation; both sides should view each other as partners and opportunities, rather than opponents or threats. They should move towards one another, consolidate the momentum of improved relations, and provide the certainty and stability most needed by Asia and the world.
According to a press release issued by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs around midnight on the 19th, Wang Yi said that in today’s world, a once-in-a-century transformation is accelerating, unilateral bullying is rampant, and free trade and international order are facing severe challenges. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, humanity stands at a critical crossroads deciding the direction of the future. As the two largest developing countries with a combined population of over 2.8 billion, China and India should embrace a global outlook, demonstrate the responsibility of major powers, set an example for the broadest group of developing countries in uniting and strengthening themselves, and contribute to promoting multipolarization of the world and democratization of international relations.
View Each Other as Partners, Not as Opponents
He pointed out that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. Both sides should seriously draw lessons from the 75 years of experience, establish correct strategic perceptions, see each other as partners and opportunities rather than opponents or threats, invest their valuable resources into development and revitalization, and explore the right way for neighboring major countries to respect and trust each other, coexist peacefully, seek development together, and achieve win-win cooperation.
Jaishankar: Differences Must Never Become Disputes
According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Jaishankar stated in his remarks that discussing the border issue is very important, because the foundation of the bilateral relationship lies in jointly maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas.
Jaishankar mentioned that this requires both sides to adopt a frank and constructive attitude, and therefore must follow the "three mutuals" principle: mutual respect, mutual understanding, and mutual (concern for each other's) interests.
Jaishankar emphasized that differences in views (between the two countries) must never develop into disputes, competition, or even conflict. Wang Yi responded by saying that the border areas between the two countries are currently maintaining peace and tranquility, and both sides are confident in being able to resist external interference, expand cooperation, and consolidate the improving bilateral relations.