During his two-day visit to New Delhi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Monday. The discussions came at a time when India and China are marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. Both sides agreed to maintain the positive momentum in their ties while reviewing regional and global issues.
Global Challenges Highlighted
According to China’s Xinhua news agency, Wang Yi emphasized that the international environment is changing rapidly, with unilateral actions and trade restrictions posing serious challenges. He stressed that India and China, as the two largest developing nations representing over 2.8 billion people, should “demonstrate a sense of global responsibility, act as major powers, set an example for developing countries in pursuit of strength through unity, and contribute to promoting world multipolarization and democratization of international relations.”
Border Peace and Cultural Exchanges
Wang noted that both countries had gradually resumed dialogue and exchanges at multiple levels. He pointed out that peace had largely been maintained along the border, and Indian pilgrims had been able to resume visits to sacred mountains and lakes in Tibet. He described China-India relations as “showing a positive trend toward returning to cooperation.”
75 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Looking ahead to 2025, which will mark 75 years of diplomatic ties, Wang said both countries should learn from history. He urged that India and China view each other as “partners and opportunities rather than rivals or threats” and focus their resources on development and revitalization.
Building Mutual Trust and Cooperation
Xinhua reported that Wang encouraged both sides to find the right way for neighboring powers to coexist with “mutual respect and trust.” He underlined China’s willingness to uphold principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness while working with India and other neighbors to build a “peaceful, secure, prosperous, beautiful and friendly home.”
He further added that India and China should “remain confident, move in the same direction, remove barriers, expand cooperation, and consolidate the improvement momentum of bilateral relations,” so that the revival of the two ancient civilizations could benefit each other and bring stability to Asia and the world.
India’s Perspective
In his opening remarks, EAM Jaishankar listed several issues that were part of the discussions, including economic and trade matters, pilgrimages, people-to-people exchanges, border trade, connectivity, river data sharing, and other bilateral concerns. He stressed that as two major economies and neighbors, India and China have many dimensions to their relationship.
Jaishankar also underlined that “differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict.” He noted that Wang Yi’s visit gave both nations the chance to review their ties and exchange views on global developments and areas of mutual interest.
Significance of the Visit
The visit by the Chinese Foreign Minister comes at a sensitive moment, but both sides expressed optimism about building on recent progress and ensuring that cooperation remains the dominant feature of their relationship.
