Chinese ambassador calls for joint efforts to bring China-India ties back on track

NEW DELHI - Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong has called for joint efforts to bring China-India relations back on track of healthy and stable development so as to benefit the two countries and their people.

"We should boost confidence, step up dialogue and cooperation, and bring the bilateral relations back on track," Sun said at a virtual meeting on Tuesday to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

"At present, China-India relations are facing difficulties, but it should not change our basic assessment of the relations," he said.

As the world's two largest developing countries and emerging economies, a harmonious relationship between China and India will not only benefit the well-being of two fifths of the world's population, but also bear great significance to Asia and the globe, the ambassador said.

Sun called on the two sides to expand mutually beneficial cooperation, properly handle differences and strengthen the foundation of people-to-people friendship.

"Bearing in mind the fundamental interests of our two countries, we should view the bilateral ties from a historical and strategic perspective, and uphold the strategic consensus that China and India are opportunities of development and cooperation partners to each other instead of being threats or competitive rivals," he said.

It is normal to have differences between the two neighboring countries, Sun said, adding that it is crucially important to manage them and not allow any individual issue to disrupt the overall development of bilateral relations.

He urged the two sides to place the boundary question in an appropriate position, and seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution through dialogue and consultations.

"Going forward, both sides need to meet each other halfway to move the situation towards stability and shift it from urgent dispute settlement to regular management and control, so as to jointly safeguard the peace and tranquility of the border area," he added.

The virtual meeting was attended by over 100 representatives from all walks of life in India.