Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Lauds Jaishankar’s Remarks On India-Sino Ties as ‘Hard-Won Progress’

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted progress in India-China relations at the CNN-News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025, noting improved ties through disengagement in key border areas and addressing post-COVID disruptions. Acknowledging past tensions (2020-2024) as harmful, he emphasized mutual efforts toward resolution. Chinese Embassy spokesperson Yu Jing praised his remarks, reflecting optimism. While challenges like border tensions and pandemic impacts persist, both nations are committed to fostering trust and stability. Jaishankar remains cautiously hopeful about further progress in bilateral relations.

In a significant acknowledgment of the evolving relationship between India and China, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared insights during his appearance at the CNN-News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025. His remarks about the current state of ties between the two nations have resonated widely, drawing appreciation from Yu Jing, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India.

Yu Jing took to X (formerly Twitter) to repost a clip of Jaishankar’s comments, captioning it: “Hard-won progress, worth cherishing. Attributed to #RisingBharatSummit2025.” The gesture highlights a growing sense of optimism in bilateral relations, even as both sides acknowledge the challenges that remain.

An Improved Climate in Bilateral Relations

When asked about the status of Sino-India ties, Jaishankar noted that the relationship has improved compared to the previous years. He emphasized the significance of disengagement efforts in contentious areas such as Depsang and Demchok, which have been critical steps toward reducing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

“We are now addressing, to some extent, the issues on the border because there has been a force buildup over a period of years,” Jaishankar explained, referencing the military standoff that has strained relations since 2020. These developments, while promising, are only part of a wider effort to restore normalcy.

The minister also highlighted disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the suspension of direct flights between the two countries and the halt of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage route cherished by Indian devotees. Despite these setbacks, Jaishankar assured that work is underway to address these concerns.

Acknowledging the Past, Looking to the Future

Reflecting on the strained ties between 2020 and 2024, Jaishankar candidly admitted that the period of heightened tensions was not beneficial for either country. “We have always maintained that the situation we saw during that time was not in the interest of either country. It was not in the interest of our relationship,” he said.

This mutual recognition of the need for improved relations appears to be a driving factor behind the current progress. Jaishankar reiterated that both nations are “moving in a positive direction,” signaling a shared commitment to addressing unresolved issues.

Post-COVID and Border Tensions: A Complex Equation

Jaishankar also spoke of the challenges in managing the dual impact of the pandemic and the border tensions. He described ongoing efforts to determine how much progress can be made in resolving these intertwined issues. “We are trying to see whether a lot of this post-COVID and parallel to the border tension, the combination of these issues, how much we can progress on this,” he said.

Despite the complexities, the minister’s tone remained optimistic, underlining the collaborative efforts being made by both sides. His remarks suggest a cautious yet hopeful outlook, with tangible steps being taken to strengthen the foundation of bilateral ties.

A Positive Trajectory Amid Challenges

The acknowledgment from the Chinese Embassy reinforces the importance of Jaishankar’s remarks and reflects a shared understanding of the benefits of improved relations. While significant work remains to be done, the dialogue between India and China is moving in a direction that prioritizes mutual interests and regional stability.

As the two nations navigate this intricate relationship, the focus remains on fostering trust and addressing longstanding issues. The road ahead may be challenging, but the commitment to progress signals a brighter horizon for India-China relations.