Beijing, New Delhi should be partners rather than adversaries: China

Chinese FM says ‘some forces’ tried to create conflict between two countries

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday expressed the hope that China and India will be partners for mutual success instead of adversaries of mutual attrition.

"We must make sure that our relationship moves forward on the right track," Wang said.

With regard to the border issue left over from history, China has always advocated managing differences through equal-footed consultation and seeking a just and reasonable solution, without letting it affect or interfere with the bigger picture of bilateral cooperation, Wang said.

China and India have a combined population of over 2.8 billion and account for one third of humanity, Wang said. When the two countries achieve stability and prosperity and live in peace and harmony, global peace and prosperity will have a solid foundation, he added.

Also read: India, China pull back from part of contested Himalayan border

Only by staying independent can the two sides firmly grasp their own destiny and realise goals of development and rejuvenation, Wang said

Wang said the countries should should help each other accomplish goals, instead of "draining each others' energies".

Ties between the two Asian giants deteriorated after a fatal border clash in the Galwan valley in June 2020 left at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers dead.

At an annual press briefing in Beijing, Wang acknowledged that ties with India had "met with some setbacks" in recent years.

He said that "some forces" have tried to create conflict and division between China and India.