Boundary ‘legacy’ should not define ties, China envoy to India says

Beijing and New Delhi should maintain long-term strategic vision and make sure their boundary row does not define relations or hinder cooperation, China’s top envoy to India said on Wednesday during an event marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

“As two major ancient civilisations and developing countries, the relationship between China and India has long transcended the bilateral scope, bearing global and strategic significance,” ambassador Xu Feihong said, according to a transcript of his speech released by the embassy following the reception in the Indian capital.

Xu stressed the importance of resolving differences through dialogue. “We should … ensure that the boundary issue – a legacy of history – does not define the overall relationship between China and India, nor should individual differences impede comprehensive cooperation,” he said.

The two countries should maintain a long-term strategic vision and seek peaceful coexistence in ties that have “long transcended the bilateral scope”, Xu said, adding they should “stand tall and see far, and plan with a long-term perspective”.

The top envoy said the two neighbours should strengthen multilateral cooperation and deepen friendly exchanges “at all levels and across various fields”.

“We should unequivocally oppose hegemonism and power politics, reject any form of tariff wars or trade wars, and safeguard the common interests of the Global South.”

Xu’s speech came as both countries face stiff US tariffs and engage in separate negotiations with the United States.

India this week offered to buy more oil and gas from the US, an effort aimed at helping to lower the 50 per cent tariffs Washington imposed due to New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.

South China Morning Post