NEW DELHI; Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday, August 19, emphasized that a stable and healthy China-India relationship is in the fundamental interests of both nations and reflects the common aspirations of developing countries.
Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and China’s Special Representative on the boundary issue, made these remarks during the 24th round of talks with India’s National Security Adviser and Special Representative, Shri Ajit Doval, in New Delhi.
He said the consensus reached by the two leaders during their meeting in Kazan has set the direction and injected momentum into efforts to improve bilateral ties and resolve the boundary question. According to Wang, since the start of this year, relations between China and India have been moving steadily forward, with the border situation showing continued signs of stabilization and improvement.
Highlighting the shared interests of both nations, Wang noted that China and India, as two major neighbors and leading developing countries, should build their relationship on mutual trust and support. He underlined the importance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, expressing hope that India would contribute positively to the success of the event.
Wang urged both sides to follow the strategic guidance of their leaders, adopt a dual-track approach to managing bilateral relations and the boundary issue, enhance dialogue and cooperation, and work toward consensus on matters such as border management, negotiations, and cross-border exchanges.
For his part, Doval described the Kazan meeting between the two leaders as a turning point in bilateral relations, noting positive shifts in perceptions, stability in border areas, and overall breakthrough progress. He said both nations face common challenges in a turbulent global environment, making it necessary to strengthen trust, cooperation, and understanding for the benefit of their people and for global peace and development.
Doval reaffirmed India’s adherence to the one-China policy and stressed that Prime Minister Modi is keen to visit China for the SCO Summit, viewing the visit as an opportunity to inject new momentum into bilateral ties. He also expressed India’s support for China, as the rotating chair, in ensuring the summit’s success.
Both sides exchanged views on advancing boundary negotiations and reiterated their commitment to the Special Representatives’ mechanism. They agreed to pursue a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable settlement based on the 2005 political guiding principles and mutual respect. Additionally, they pledged to strengthen border management and safeguard peace and stability in border areas.
The two countries also agreed to hold the 25th round of boundary talks in China.