Indian businessman in China calls for reconciliation

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Boarder tensions between China and India have lasted for over seven weeks, and the mistrust between the two sides has led to a stalemate in dialogue and negotiations. But an increasing number of Indian people living and working in China are calling for reconciliation.

Iqbal Hassan runs a travel group company in Beijing that takes care of the travel arrangements of Chinese businessmen who head to the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.

Because of the border tension, Hassan said many customers had canceled trips that were booked months ago. Most of them were bound to attend commodity exhibitions in India. But now, they are afraid to go. That has badly affected his business.

Tensions between China and India have been brewing since June. Diplomatic efforts seem to have hit a roadblock, with neither side backing down. China says it will not allow any dialogue until India withdraws its troops.

CGTN Graphic

But Hassan remains hopeful, as the two countries are economically interconnected despite the current political difficulty.

China-India trade volume stands at more than 70 billion US dollars, over 20 times larger than 15 years ago. Many believe it offers tremendous possibilities for traders and investors from both countries.

Meanwhile, Hassan said it would go a long way to bringing about breakthroughs for easing the tension and building mutual trust.

Mistrust and misunderstanding between the two sides still remain. Therefore, Hassan hopes to see more communication and people-to-people exchanges since the two countries are complementary in many areas.

And he is not the only one who has sent a message of peace.

Vijender Singh, an Indian boxer who had beaten a Chinese rival offered to return his championship belt last Saturday, dedicating his win to the China-India friendship.