India, China Must Remain Cooperative Partners Rather Than Rivals, Beijing Tells New Delhi

China on Monday said that India and China should maintain the “right strategic perception” of their relationship by viewing each other as cooperative partners rather than rivals, while emphasizing the importance of mutual trust, dialogue and long-term engagement between the two Asian powers. The remarks were made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a media briefing in Beijing in response to comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin on relations among Russia, India and China.

Referring to the current state of ties between New Delhi and Beijing, Lin said the situation along the India-China border is generally stable and that both countries maintain smooth channels of communication. According to Lin, China and India should regard one another as opportunities for development rather than as threats. He said both sides need to approach bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, strengthen mutual trust, expand cooperation and properly manage differences.

Such efforts, he added, would help ensure the steady and healthy development of ties between the two countries. Addressing India's concerns regarding China’s close relationship with Pakistan, Lin said Beijing supports both India and Pakistan in resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation. He added that China hopes the two South Asian neighbours will work together to maintain peace and stability in the region.

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Commenting on trilateral cooperation involving India, China and Russia, Lin said the three nations are major emerging economies whose stable relations contribute not only to their own interests but also to global peace, security and development. He noted that China remains willing to maintain communication with both Russia and India on advancing cooperation among the three countries.

Lin’s remarks came days after Russian President Vladimir Putin, during an interaction with heads of leading global news agencies including PTI, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Putin said Russia’s long-standing partnerships with both India and China had evolved naturally over decades and operate independently of one another, underscoring Moscow’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with both nations.

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