Wang Yi calls for China-India ties back to stable, healthy track

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called on China and India to push for an early return to the track of stable and healthy development of bilateral relations.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Wang pointed out that the resumption of and a new start to China-India relations are in line with the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two countries, the expectations of Global South countries and the right direction of history.

The two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, respect each other's core interests, enhance mutual trust through dialogue and communication and handle differences with sincerity and honesty, he noted.

Wang urged the two sides to send more positive signals and to do more things conducive to the interaction between the two countries so as to enhance mutual trust and reduce suspicion.

The two sides should strive to make practical progress as soon as possible, including the resumption of direct flights, exchange of journalists and visa facilitation, the Chinese foreign minister added.

Stressing that next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India, Wang talked of the need for planning commemorative activities and encouraging exchanges and visits in all fields and at all levels to enhance mutual understanding and trust.

As two large developing countries and neighbors, China and India have far more common interests than differences, Wang said, adding that the two sides should regard each other's development as an opportunity and join hands to achieve common development and revitalization, which is conducive to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and promoting the process of world multipolarity.

Noting that both China and India pursue a non-aligned foreign policy, adhere to multilateralism and support the democratization of international relations, the Chinese foreign minister also said the two countries should continue to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs and promote greater development of the BRICS mechanism and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Jaishankar told Wang that India hopes to restart the relevant dialogue mechanism as soon as possible, and maintain the momentum of improving relations between the two countries through enhanced communication.

Consensus between India and China far outweighs differences, and both sides should take a strategic view of bilateral relations, handle relevant issues in a more positive manner, and not allow specific differences to define the relationship between the two countries, he stressed.

Jaishankar also said India is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in multilateral mechanisms such as the G20 and the BRICS.