"Won't Forget": Chinese Defence Attaché Praises India For Rescuing Crew From Fire-Stricken Tanker

• Chinese envoy thanks India for rescuing 12 sailors after a 2025 cargo ship blast near Kerala.

• Remarks made at PLA’s 99th anniversary reception in New Delhi.

• Emphasizes renewed momentum in India-China relations.

• Highlights shared UN peacekeeping contributions.

• Calls for deeper military communication and trust-building measures.

China’s Defence Attaché to India, Rear Admiral You Jian, has publicly acknowledged the Indian military’s role in rescuing 12 Chinese crew members from a cargo vessel that caught fire and later exploded off the Kerala coast last year. His remarks, delivered during a reception marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), underscored a broader message of improving bilateral ties and expanding military-to-military engagement.

Speaking at the commemorative event on Tuesday, Rear Admiral You described India and China as significant neighbours navigating pivotal stages in their national development journeys. He noted that relations between the two Asian powers have regained forward momentum under the strategic direction of their respective leaderships.

Recalling the maritime emergency in June last year, You said China remains appreciative of India’s swift response when the cargo ship incident occurred off Kerala’s coastline. The rescue of the 12 Chinese nationals, he said, would not be forgotten.

A Diplomatic Gesture Amid Improving Relations

The acknowledgement comes at a time when New Delhi and Beijing are attempting to stabilise ties following years of strain along their disputed border. A series of high-level meetings, including engagements between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, have signalled cautious optimism on both sides.

Rear Admiral You observed that bilateral relations are “returning to the correct path,” suggesting that diplomatic efforts are gradually yielding results. Officials from both nations have engaged in what have been described as constructive discussions aimed at normalising relations and rebuilding trust.

Shared Contributions in Global Peacekeeping

In his address, the Chinese Defence Attaché also highlighted the parallel roles played by India and China in United Nations peacekeeping missions. Both countries are among the largest contributors of troops to UN operations, and You noted that their armed forces have made notable sacrifices in support of international stability.

He emphasized that common strategic interests outweigh areas of disagreement, suggesting that cooperation in multilateral arenas could serve as a stabilising force in the broader relationship.

Push for Greater Military Engagement

Beyond expressions of gratitude, the speech included a call for stronger communication channels between the two militaries. You conveyed Beijing’s willingness to enhance dialogue through diplomatic and defence frameworks, build mutual confidence and expand cooperation.

He stressed that sustained communication would be essential in fostering predictability and preventing misunderstandings, particularly given the complex geopolitical environment in which both countries operate.

The proposal for deeper engagement aligns with recent diplomatic overtures from both capitals. While differences persist — particularly concerning border management and strategic competition — the tone of the address reflected an intent to prioritise stability and pragmatic cooperation.

A Symbolic Moment

The reference to the Kerala rescue operation served not only as a gesture of goodwill but also as a reminder of the humanitarian dimension that can underpin bilateral relations. Maritime safety, disaster response and peacekeeping are areas where collaboration may offer tangible benefits despite broader geopolitical challenges.

Concluding his remarks, Rear Admiral You expressed hope for continued improvement in ties between the two neighbours, reinforcing the message that dialogue and coordination remain preferable to confrontation.

As India and China navigate a delicate phase in their relationship, such public acknowledgements and diplomatic signals may play a role in shaping the next chapter of engagement between the region’s two largest powers.