According to a Chinese readout, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that China and India should work to establish a 'correct strategic understanding' and view each other as partners.
This statement from China follows discussions held on Monday between Wang Yi and India's External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The two ministers addressed a range of issues including border peace, trade, and bilateral exchanges, with the goal of enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
Wang Yi noted that exchanges and dialogue at all levels between the two countries have been gradually restored, indicating that bilateral relations are shifting back toward cooperation. Citing the Chinese statement, international news agencies reported that Wang also called on both countries, as major global players, to serve as an example for other developing nations by uniting and strengthening themselves.
Wang Yi arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a two-day visit. His itinerary includes the 24th round of border talks with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Earlier, Jaishankar had emphasised that after a challenging period, India and China need to adopt a 'candid and constructive' approach grounded in mutual respect and sensitivity to advance their relationship. He reiterated New Delhi’s call for the de-escalation process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to move forward.
During his meeting with Wang, Jaishankar discussed economic and trade issues, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity, and bilateral exchanges. He also raised 'particular concerns' that he had previously brought up with his Chinese counterpart during their last meeting in Beijing in July.
Wang is the first Chinese minister to visit India since an understanding was reached last October to end the military standoff on the LAC, which began in April-May 2020. This face-off, which included a brutal clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, had brought bilateral ties to their lowest point in six decades.
Also Read: Wang Yi to hold border talks in Delhi ahead of Modi’s China trip
At the beginning of his meeting with Wang, Jaishankar said, "Having seen a difficult period in our relationship… our two nations now seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach on both sides. In that endeavour, we must be guided by the three mutuals – mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest."
Acknowledging that Wang would be discussing border issues with Ajit Doval on Tuesday, Jaishankar stated, "This is very important because the basis for any positive momentum in our ties is the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. It is also essential that the de-escalation process move forward."
Wang's visit precedes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to China—his first in seven years—to attend the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a regional political and security group that also includes Russia.
Also Read: EAM Jaishankar meets Wang Yi as China India talks begin
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