International: August 26: China and India are important neighbours and representatives of major developing countries and emerging economies. The sound and stable development of relations between the two countries is in line with the fundamental interests of their peoples and also serves the shared aspirations of the Global South. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, made the remarks on Tuesday in Beijing at the 25th Meeting of the Special Representatives on the China-India Boundary Question.

During the meeting, Wang Yi and India’s Special Representative, National Security Adviser Ajit Kumar Doval, held extensive, in-depth, friendly and candid discussions on the China-India boundary issue and bilateral relations.

Wang Yi said the significance of China-India relations extends beyond the bilateral sphere and carries global and strategic importance.

He further noted that in recent years, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have met twice in Kazan and Tianjin, reaching a series of important consensuses.

Wang Yi said China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with India from a strategic and long-term perspective, enhance mutual understanding, resolve differences and overcome various obstacles. He said the two countries should develop their relationship as good-neighbourly, friendly and mutually beneficial partners and ensure harmonious coexistence.

Wang Yi further said that communication and cooperation at various levels between the two countries have resumed, while the commitment to maintaining peace and stability in border areas continues.

He said the two sides should learn from past experiences and place the boundary issue in its proper position within the overall framework of bilateral relations.

Wang Yi said a positive environment should gradually be created around the China-India boundary issue, with dialogue, peace, consultation and cooperation becoming the main trend.

Doval said both India and China are ancient civilisations with vast populations and significant economic strength. Therefore, the two countries should view each other as partners rather than competitors. Building a stable, predictable and forward-looking bilateral relationship between the two countries is in the common interests of their peoples and is also important for Asia and the world.

He further said that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, India-China relations have returned to the right track. Overall peace has been maintained in the border areas, while communication and cooperation in various fields continue to advance.

Doval added that India is willing to work with China to effectively manage the border areas and explore ways to resolve the boundary issue.

During the meeting, the two sides held in-depth exchanges on advancing negotiations concerning boundary delimitation, strengthening border management and expanding cross-border cooperation.

The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to working on the basis of mutual respect and understanding, following the political guidelines adopted in 2005. In addition, they agreed to hold the 26th Meeting of the Special Representatives on the China-India Boundary Question in India in 2027.

Source: Suborna-Foysal-Shishir, China Media Group.