‘Never Let Boundary Question Define Bilateral Ties’: Wang Yi Says India-China Relations ‘Improving’

Amid improved ties, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasises "cooperative pas de deux" between India and China as the only viable path, considering their shared interests and global significance.

File Photo of China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Source : PTI

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday emphasised that a "cooperative pas de deux" between India and China is the "only right choice" for both nations, as he acknowledged positive developments in bilateral ties following the resolution of the military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Addressing his annual press conference in Beijing, Wang, who is also a member of the political bureau of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), stated, "There is every reason for us to support each other rather than undermine each other or undercut each other."  

Tensions between India and China had escalated after the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, resulting in a four-year military standoff that was resolved last year. According to Wang, bilateral relations have seen "positive strides" since the breakthrough, as per remarks shared by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.  

"China always believes that the two should be partners that contribute to each other’s success. A cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant is the only right choice for both sides," Wang Yi remarked.

He credited the October 2023 meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan for providing "strategic guidance" towards the development of ties. Following the meeting, Wang said, "The successful meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan last October provided strategic guidance for the improvement and development of the bilateral ties. Both sides have earnestly followed through on the important common understandings of our leaders, strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels, and achieved a series of positive outcomes."  

In an apparent reference to India's emphasis on border peace as a prerequisite for broader engagement, Wang reiterated China's position that boundary issues should not define the overall relationship. "As two ancient civilisations, India and China have enough wisdom and capability to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution to the boundary issue. We should never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question, or let specific differences affect the overall picture of our bilateral ties," he said.  

"We should never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question or specific differences to affect the overall picture of our bilateral ties," Wang added. He stressed the need for cooperation, stating, "This is the only path that truly serves the fundamental interests of the two countries."  

'If China And India Join Hands...': Wang's Veiled Jibe At US

Highlighting the broader geopolitical landscape, Wang said that as key members of the Global South, India and China must take a lead in opposing "hegemonism and power politics," a veiled reference to the United States. "If China and India join hands, the prospect of greater democracy in international affairs and the stronger Global South will improve greatly," he remarked.  

Wang noted that 2025 will mark the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations and expressed Beijing's willingness to work with New Delhi to advance relations on a "sound and stable" trajectory.  

In 2024, India and China completed the disengagement process at the last two friction points in eastern Ladakh—Depsang and Demchok—bringing an end to the prolonged standoff. Following the agreement, Modi and Xi met in Kazan on October 23 and agreed to revive dialogue mechanisms. Subsequently, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Wang held the 23rd Special Representatives (SR) dialogue in Beijing on December 18.  

Furthering diplomatic engagement, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing on January 26 and held talks with his Chinese counterpart Sun Weidong under the 'Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister' framework.