Vientiane: During a meeting in Vientiane with Indias External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted the complex international landscape and emphasized that India and China, as two significant neighboring developing nations, should enhance their dialogue and communication. Amidst significant global challenges, the Chinese foreign minister stressed the importance of both countries improving mutual understanding and trust to foster mutually beneficial cooperation.

S. Jaishankar and Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, met on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings on Thursday. According to a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in India, Wang Yi remarked that, given the current complex international scenario and formidable global challenges, China and India should enhance dialogue and communication. He urged both nations to deepen mutual understanding and trust, effectively manage their differences, and foster cooperation that benefits both sides.

Wang Yi further suggested that both countries should take a rational approach to overcome their differences and disputes to enhance India-China relations. “With a sense of responsibility towards history, their citizens, and the world, both sides should adopt a rational approach to transcend differences and conflicts to promote the improvement and stable development of China-India relations,” the statement added. Wang Yi also noted that the significance of China-India relations extends beyond the bilateral context, according to the embassys statement.

Improving bilateral ties should align with the strategic vision of China and India as two leading emerging and developing countries, he emphasized. “Addressing the differences between the two nations should reflect the political acumen of China and India as ancient civilizations. Tackling global challenges should exemplify the solidarity and cooperation of countries in the Global South,” Wang Yi said.

The Chinese foreign minister expressed hope that both countries would collaborate to find the appropriate path for these two major neighbors to coexist harmoniously and guide their communities toward developing positive perceptions of one another. “Wang Yi emphasized that realigning the China-India relationship to its proper course serves the interests of both sides and aligns with the shared aspirations of countries in the Global South,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar stated that India and China, as the two most populous countries and major emerging economies with ancient histories, should maintain stable and predictable bilateral relations. He further noted that such relations are crucial for regional peace and promoting a multipolar world. “India and China have many shared interests but also face challenges related to border issues. However, India is prepared to approach these differences with a historical, strategic, and open mindset to restore bilateral relations to a positive and constructive path,” the statement added.

Additionally, both sides agreed to collaborate on maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas and to work towards progress in border affairs consultations. They also expressed their willingness to enhance communication within the frameworks of East Asia cooperation, SCO, G20, and BRICS, and jointly advocate for multilateralism and protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

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