China Hails ‘Positive Strides’ in Relations with India, Stresses Need for Cooperation

Beijing, March 7: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has emphasized that India-China relations have made “positive strides” over the past year, attributing this progress to the breakthrough in resolving the four-year-long military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Speaking at his annual press conference, Wang highlighted that both nations have achieved several encouraging outcomes through high-level exchanges and practical cooperation.

Renewed Diplomatic Momentum Post-Ladakh Disengagement​

Wang noted that ties between the two countries improved significantly following a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, in October 2023. The leaders provided strategic guidance to restore bilateral ties, leading to the completion of the troop disengagement process in eastern Ladakh, particularly at Depsang and Demchok—two of the last remaining friction points.

Following the Kazan meeting, a series of diplomatic engagements took place:

• December 18, 2023: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Wang Yi held the 23rd Special Representatives (SR) dialogue in Beijing.
• January 26, 2024: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri traveled to Beijing for discussions with Chinese counterpart Sun Weidong under the 'Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister' mechanism.

China Urges Separation of Border Issues from Bilateral Ties​

In an apparent reference to India’s stance that peaceful borders are crucial for better relations, Wang reiterated China's position that the boundary dispute or specific differences should not overshadow overall ties.
“As two ancient civilizations, we have enough wisdom and capability to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution,” he said.

Call for Strategic Partnership Over Rivalry​

Wang stressed that India and China, as neighboring countries and key members of the Global South, should cooperate rather than compete.
“A cooperative partnership between the dragon and the elephant is the only right choice for both sides,” he remarked, underscoring the need for mutual support instead of rivalry.
Furthermore, he urged both countries to oppose hegemonism and power politics in an apparent reference to the United States.
“If China and India join hands, the prospect of greater democracy in international affairs and a stronger Global South will improve greatly,” he asserted.

Looking Ahead: 75 Years of Diplomatic Ties​

With 2025 marking the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations, Wang expressed Beijing’s readiness to work with India to advance ties on a “sound and stable” trajectory.
As both countries navigate their geopolitical challenges, their recent diplomatic engagements signal a renewed effort to rebuild trust and foster cooperation on global issues.