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China’s ambassador to India Xu Feihong, on Thursday called for greater strategic trust and stronger cooperation between New Delhi and Beijing, stressing that the two neighbours should view each other as partners rather than competitors.
“China and India should enhance strategic mutual trust and avoid mutual suspicion. Both countries are partners, not rivals. We should manage differences through dialogue,” Xu said.
He also highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration between the two Asian powers, noting that constructive engagement would help maintain stability and advance common interests.
“Silence only emboldens the bully”
Speaking in New Delhi, Xu accused Washington of hypocrisy, saying that the US had long benefited from free trade but was now weaponising tariffs as bargaining tools.
Xu further said “US has long benefited from free trade but now uses tariffs as bargain chips. US imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India. China firmly opposes it. Silence only emboldens the bully. China will firmly stand with India,”.
Speaking on the broader geopolitical context, Xu Feihong said, “The world today is experiencing a turbulent period; The international order is undergoing the most profound evolution since World War II…At this moment of turbulence and change, the significance of China and India relations has become increasingly evident. China-India cooperation benefits both countries.”
“The ambassador also highlighted progress in people-to-people exchanges, saying, “China has resumed the visit of Indian pilgrims to the sacred mountain and lake, and India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals.
Looking ahead, Xu Feihong expressed optimism about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to China for the SCO Summit, saying, “In the coming days, PM Modi will travel to China to attend the SCO Summit. I believe this visit will give a new impetus to China-India relations.
“This comes after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met PM Modi on Tuesday and handed over a message and an invitation from President Xi Jinping for the summit in Tianjin, providing context for the upcoming visit.
The Prime Minister thanked President Xi for the invitation to the SCO Summit and conveyed his acceptance. The SCO summit will be held in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1.
With inputs from agencies