Enhancing Bilateral Ties: Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong Discusses China-India Relations and Regional Cooperation

Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong highlighted efforts to strengthen China-India ties through cultural exchanges, such as the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, economic cooperation, and multilateral engagement. He emphasized the importance of mutual trust, resolving trade challenges, and maintaining border stability. Ambassador Xu welcomed India's participation in initiatives like the SCO Summit and regional cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Stressing dialogue for regional peace, he reaffirmed China’s inclusive approach to South Asia, aiming to foster prosperity and shared development between the two nations.

Chinese Ambassador to India, H.E. Xu Feihong, recently participated in an interview where he elaborated on various aspects of China-India relations, including high-level exchanges, economic cooperation, people-to-people interactions, and China's foreign policy for South Asia. Below are the key highlights of the discussion:

1. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY): A Symbol of Friendship

Ambassador Xu emphasized the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) as a significant step in fostering cultural exchanges and mutual understanding. The sacred pilgrimage to Kangrínboqê Fēng and Mapam Yuco in China's Xizang Autonomous Region symbolizes China's respect for Indian religious sentiments. Despite logistical challenges, China invested significant resources to ensure a smooth pilgrimage process, receiving praise from Indian officials and pilgrims alike. This initiative is expected to strengthen people-to-people ties and inject vitality into bilateral relations.

2. Expanding People-to-People and Economic Links

The resumption of KMY is part of broader efforts to enhance travel, trade, and investment between the two nations. Ambassador Xu highlighted ongoing work to resume direct flights between India and China, which will further facilitate tourism and business exchanges. These developments underscore China's commitment to fostering mutual trust and economic cooperation.

3. Addressing Economic Differences

Acknowledging existing economic challenges, such as restrictions on FDI and trade disputes, Ambassador Xu called for collaborative efforts to overcome these barriers. He pointed to the strategic meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi during the BRICS summit as a pivotal moment in revitalizing economic ties. Both nations are urged to adopt policies that incentivize bilateral trade and reduce restrictions to achieve shared economic growth.

4. Participation in the SCO Summit

China looks forward to hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin. The summit will focus on deepening cooperation among member states in areas such as security, development, and regional stability. Ambassador Xu reiterated China's appreciation for India's support in ensuring the success of the summit and emphasized the importance of multilateral collaboration for regional peace and prosperity.

5. Border Stability and Peace

On the sensitive issue of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Ambassador Xu noted progress in maintaining stability through diplomatic and military channels. Both nations have reached significant agreements to de-escalate tensions and sustain peace in border areas. Future efforts will focus on confidence-building measures to ensure long-term tranquility.

6. Tackling Regional Conflicts and Terrorism

China condemned recent terrorist attacks in the region and reiterated its opposition to all forms of terrorism. Ambassador Xu emphasized the importance of dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve conflicts and achieve regional stability. He underlined China's role as a constructive partner in promoting peace and highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation under frameworks like the SCO and BRICS.

7. Regional Cooperation and SAARC

Responding to concerns about China’s regional initiatives excluding India, Ambassador Xu highlighted China's inclusive approach to South Asian cooperation. He emphasized that China's initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, are designed to enhance regional prosperity and are open to India’s participation. China aims to foster a cooperative environment, leveraging the strengths of all South Asian nations to promote peace and development.

Ambassador Xu Feihong’s remarks reflect China’s commitment to deepening its ties with India and the broader South Asian region. Through initiatives like the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, economic cooperation, and multilateral engagements, China seeks to build mutual trust and foster a stable, prosperous neighborhood. Both nations stand at a critical juncture, with opportunities to chart a path of harmonious coexistence and shared development.